Resident alleges $8,000 demand, accuses staff of retaliation; council hears public comments

Daniel Hale, a local resident and applicant on a land-use project, told the Saint Helena City Council on Feb. 25 that the city demanded an "extra $8,000" as a deposit for processing an application first submitted in October.

Hale told the council he had already paid $77,100 toward processing the project and quoted language he said was in the demand letter: "This obligation applies even if the application is withdrawn or not approved ... the city the sum of $8,000." He also read sections saying the city would "exercise sole discretion" over fund use and could require the applicant to defend and indemnify the city in legal proceedings or ask the city to rescind an approved entitlement as an alternative, adding that the applicant must keep a minimum $1,000 deposit on file.

Hale said his primary complaint concerned the conduct of two staff members, naming Anil Canelo and Maya de Rosa, and said he had tried to escalate his concerns to the city manager before bringing them to the council: "My beef here is with the conduct of Anil Canelo and Maya de Rosa. My secondary beef is the kind of culture here that allows something like this to go on." He also said a police report the city referenced in correspondence that was “being held over my head” was blank when he requested it.

Residents who spoke during the public forum echoed concerns about staff conduct and transparency. Elaine DeMan said Hale’s written material and allegations were "very disturbing allegations" and asked whether staff mistakes were being handled promptly; she also asked whether timing of staff performance reviews and contract changes could be related.

Tracy Sweeney and Jim Sweeney, both longtime local volunteers, urged the council to investigate and emphasized Hale’s long record of community service. Tracy Sweeney said Hale had been a volunteer and contributor for 25 years; Jim Sweeney asked the council to "do your own diligence" and to address the matter "very directly."

Mayor Paul Doreen and Vice Mayor Deasy repeatedly reminded speakers of the public comment time limit. Hale’s remarks exceeded the four-minute allotment and the mayor asked him to conclude. The council did not take action on Hale’s specific allegations during the meeting but Vice Mayor Deasy said the council was "committed to ensuring fair and respectful treatment for our members of the community." The mayor noted council members had a copy of the city manager’s letter to Hale.

Why it matters: The complaints raised by Hale and reinforced by multiple residents question administrative transparency and staff conduct in land-use processing and in handling resident complaints. Residents urged the council to review the matter publicly and to ensure staff accountability.

Council response and next steps: At the meeting, council members thanked residents for their comments and said they would take them under advisement; no formal direction, investigation tasking, or vote was recorded on the transcript during the Feb. 25 meeting. Several speakers asked the council to place follow-up items on a future agenda for fuller public consideration.

Ending: Council members and city staff acknowledged the seriousness of the public comments and encouraged residents to continue to submit documentation; the council did not announce any immediate administrative action or a scheduled follow-up at the Feb. 25 session.