Council approves expanded streets master‑plan work; funds from traffic impact fees

The Saint Helena City Council voted Feb. 25 to approve additional consulting work on the city’s streets master plan, including an updated traffic model and preliminary designs for an Adams Street extension and pedestrian/bicycle improvements on Spring Street.

Vice Mayor Deasy questioned whether the expanded scope represented "scope creep" and whether the study was necessary now given existing plans, asking whether the work could be combined with a strategic plan. Director H., the staff presenter, said the consultant consolidated previous transportation studies, vetted project priorities with the public and committees, and identified two priority items where updated analysis would help secure funding: an Adams Street extension to Silverado Trail and extending Oak to Charter Oak or Grayson. Director H. said the city’s existing traffic model had not been updated during the general-plan efforts and that an updated model would help with funding applications and future development planning.

Administrative Services Director Mandy Kellogg told the council the traffic mitigation/impact fee fund currently holds $2,900,000. Council members raised the question of funding availability and whether the consulting work would prevent currently planned fee-funded projects; the director said "None that are currently slated within that fee program will be impacted." Council members also discussed whether grant programs typically require this level of study; staff replied that strong analysis "strengthens the application."

Council members ultimately moved and seconded a motion to approve the consulting work and associated spending. The clerk recorded a unanimous roll-call vote in favor: Vice Mayor Deasy, Council member Barrick, Council member Spatarotto and Mayor Paul Doreen all voted yes.

Why it matters: Council approved additional technical work intended to support future capital projects and grant applications while using traffic impact fees rather than the general fund. The work could affect downtown circulation, emergency access and the downtown specific plan by modeling possible changes before major investments.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with the consultant scope, update the traffic model and return to the council as required for funding or project approvals.

Ending: Council members who voiced fiscal caution emphasized that the traffic impact fees—not general fund dollars—would be used for the work and that staff would coordinate public outreach and grant-seeking as the studies advance.