Commons controversy overshadows appointment of Yountville interim town manager
With only one item on the agenda, and none related to the Commons project, council chambers were nonetheless filled to capacity again for the meeting on Tuesday, May 5.
Before the public comment period opened, Town Council member Pam Reeves read a lengthy statement that focused primarily on Yountville’s state and county-mandated housing goal of 72 units, emphasizing that the town must continue working toward that target.
In supporting her wish to keep moving forward, Reeves said the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) reviews the town’s housing plans annually; but while the town is required to submit an annual progress report to the department, this is largely a status update, and, according to the HCD website, the data is self-reported and is not independently verified by HCD.
Town Attorney Gary Bell stated that Yountville is currently in full compliance with its housing element.
“The first year was about listening,” Reeves said, but “we have yet to have a complete conversation” about the Commons project.
“We can have those conversations on the information that came out of the Feb. 17 meetings.,” Reeves said. “Based on our experienced staff, planning department and town attorney, the expertise is in the building. We do not need to hire from somewhere else.”
She asked town staff to provide a full accounting of where it stands in meeting its housing obligations, how the recent referendum has changed the situation and what options are available moving forward.
Several council members agreed this would be a valuable next step, with Council member Trippe adding that it should not be an informational report but should be a publicly agendized discussion.
Reeves concluded, “We need to clear the air to move forward.”
The meeting then moved into public comment.
The first two speakers, both residents of the Bella Vista Senior Home Park in Yountville, urged the town to consider implementing a senior home park rent stabilization ordinance similar to those adopted by nearby municipalities. They said such a policy would provide predictability for residents and help preserve affordability. Several council members expressed support for having staff explore this option.
Public comment then shifted to the Commons project. Although the project remains on hold, it continues to generate strong emotions.
Arik Housley, owner of Ranch Market, called for an end to rhetoric and name-calling on social media. “Let’s be respectful,” he said. “Mistakes have been made on both sides, and a lot of it has to do with communication. But together we can have a vision to rebuild Yountville and make decisions for the betterment of the community. We can be respectful to each other, but it starts with you.”
The Coop and Yountville Fit were cited by Housley as examples of what he believes are precedent-setting actions. He expressed frustration that the town has funded improvements and upgrades while leasing business spaces for only $1 per year. While he acknowledged that residents want businesses that serve the local community, he argued that if the town is going to financially support those businesses, the same opportunity should be available to all local-serving businesses in town.
The possibility of using land at the Veterans Home for affordable or workforce housing was also raised by several speakers. Mayor Margorie Mohler responded that she and others have explored this option for decades, working with CalVet and state officials, but have made little progress.
Gary Jabara, owner of The Estate Yountville, emphasized “nobody in this room doesn’t want employee housing. I know my employees by name,” he said. “When it’s suggested that we don’t support workforce housing, that’s simply not true. I expect this town will do what it can afford and do so in a financially responsible way.”
Thomas Keller echoed a similar sentiment, aiming to clarify what he described as mischaracterizations in the media. He said he supports workforce housing in Yountville and currently owns 17 housing units in town for his employees, including eight added last year.
Resident Karen Thurling expressed frustration with council members who now say they would not have supported the project as originally proposed. “Why didn’t you say that from the beginning?” she asked. “This is the first time we’re hearing it. I want to help people live here, but I don’t want to go bankrupt.”
Myrna David spoke about the toll the situation has taken on the community, saying the town has lost some of the quality-of-life residents have come to expect. She urged the council to keep that in mind moving forward.
Resident Jessi Bugden questioned the project’s financial planning. “Why didn’t you start with a budget? Why continue spending millions designing and mocking up a project at that price point?” she asked.
Council Member Trippe agreed that this concern was valid, noting that she had “requested cost projections early in the process but was told it was irresponsible to get construction estimates at that point.” She added that companies exist that specialize in that type of cost estimating.
Resident Stephen Becker suggested commissioning an independent due diligence audit to review the project’s timeline, contracts and financial decisions. “There’s a great deal of distrust that has been created, and you have lost the trust of many people in this town,” he said. “If you have legs to stand on with the decisions that you made, you should welcome this process.”
Council Member Eric Knight said he appreciated that idea and that the community would benefit from such a review. Mohler agreed the council should continue discussing it.
After nearly 90 minutes of public comment, the council turned to its sole agenda item: appointing an interim town manager.
Ken MacNab was introduced as the council’s choice to fill the vacancy left by the abrupt departure of Brad Raulston last week.
MacNab brings extensive planning and management experience in the North Bay, including work in Napa, Calistoga, Santa Rosa and Napa County. He recently served as interim town manager in Windsor and previously worked in Yountville as interim planning director before the hiring of current Planning Director Aaron Heecock.
After listening to the evening’s public comments, MacNab addressed the council. “I want to help guide the town through this transition,” he said. “It can be a stressful process, but we will attract strong candidates and give you excellent options to consider. I know the staff and look forward to working with them.”
