Council authorizes broad RFP to seek operators for Mount Saint Helena Golf Course

The Calistoga City Council authorized staff on June 23 to draft and release a request for proposals (RFP) to identify potential operators or partners for long‑term operation and management of the Mount Saint Helena Golf Course at the fairgrounds.

Shelley Wright, the fairgrounds revitalization director, presented a committee recommendation that the city solicit proposals for innovative management approaches that could improve financial viability, expand year‑round programming and support reclaimed‑water objectives. "The FAC recommends that the city council authorize staff to begin an RFP process to identify qualified operators and or partners," Wright said.

Public comment was robust and divided on process and timing. Fairgrounds Advisory Committee member Shane Pavitt and supporters urged moving forward, saying an RFP would provide actionable proposals and allow the council to evaluate costs and risk transfer. "All this will do is we'll arm you with the ability to evaluate the costs associated with it and whether you want to tackle that on as a city or derisk any sort of financial obligation," Pavitt said.

Some speakers urged a broader planning step first. Laurie Poggi asked council to define a clear vision for what the course could become before issuing a narrowly defined operations RFP, warning that an RFP can shape outcomes. Others, including golfers and long‑time residents, urged a timely return of golf as a community asset that supports recreation, youth programs and tourism.

Council members said the RFP can be written broadly to solicit a range of ideas, from traditional golf operations to reimagined formats that integrate community uses. The measure passed unanimously; staff will draft an RFP and include a generic contract to communicate the city’s expectations to potential respondents.