The Saint Helena City Council on Dec. 9 approved a package of ordinances, resolutions and pilot programs intended to clarify municipal codes, accelerate routine procurement and address several infrastructure needs.

Council members voted unanimously to introduce and adopt zoning ordinance amendments that remove a blanket 1,000‑foot prohibition on alcoholic beverage sales near schools and correct an accessory dwelling unit endnote to match state law (800 sq. ft.). Senior planner Jackie O'Neil said the change restores discretionary review while preserving public notice and police and staff review. “The proposed amendment will not change enforcement, hours of operation, or ABC licensing requirements,” she said. The Planning Commission recommended adoption on Nov. 4.

Separately, council approved an amendment to Municipal Code chapter 3.04 to increase the city manager’s administrative signing authority to $60,000 to align with regional norms and uniform construction contract thresholds. Director Kellogg said the change is intended to reduce staff time spent preparing reports for lower‑value contracts; staff said the change does not alter the council’s budget authority. Vice Mayor Deasy raised concerns about safeguards and transparency; roll call recorded three yes votes and one abstention on that item.

Council adopted the five‑year pavement management plan and Measure U project list aimed at improving the city’s Pavement Condition Index toward a target of 80, a move staff said will shift the program from heavy rehabilitation toward ongoing maintenance after key projects are completed. The pavement measure passed unanimously.

The council also approved a $25,000 pilot hardship program to help customers required to install backflow prevention devices after smart‑meter alerts indicated reverse flow. Staff told council the city had sent 23 alerts so far; the pilot would retain a contractor to perform installations, certify devices and recover costs through utility billing.

On an item with substantial public interest, council adopted a resolution allowing existing Magnolia Oaks customers to connect to potable water for irrigation under a building‑permit process that requires a tested/certified backflow prevention device and city inspection. Council also directed staff to pursue abandonment of the failed well with the well owner and to explore removing and capping purple‑pipe meters where appropriate.

Finally, council approved an amendment to the city manager’s employment agreement that reduces an automatic contractual adjustment to 3% (from 7%), eliminates a prior housing allowance and rolls those benefits into a revised base salary of $336,467 effective July 20, 2025; the measure passed 3–1.

What’s next: Many of the approved items require follow‑up implementation steps by staff (ordinance code updates, fee schedule adjustments, and program design for the hardship pilot). Several items — notably procurement language and the Magnolia Oaks implementation specifics — will return to council with additional detail.