Yountville Town Council, Oct. 7 Meeting Highlights
NEWS Proclamation
The Oct. 7 Town Council meeting began with a proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Tracy Lamb, executive director of NEWS (Nurturing Empowerment Worth Safety) in Napa, said that a candlelight vigil will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. in Napa’s Veterans Memorial Park to honor survivors and remember those whose voices have been silenced. The event will include a musical tribute by local opera singer Meghan Shay.
Lamb reported that NEWS assisted nearly 1,700 Napa Valley survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault last year, including four clients from Yountville. She emphasized that contacting NEWS is completely safe and confidential. The 24-hour help line is 707-255-NEWS.
PG&E Open House
A PG&E representative informed the council that, due to the frequent power outages experienced in Yountville, the company will host an informational open house on Oct. 29 at the Community Center from 5–7 p.m. to address residents’ questions and concerns.
Yountville Commons Financial Update
To provide both the council and residents with a clearer understanding of the Yountville Commons project finances, Finance Director Celia King presented a staff report summarizing expenses to date:
| Expense | Amount |
| Property Acquisition | $11,002,100 |
| Initial Cleanup/Preparation | $497,017 |
| Interim Use (Co-op and Gym Space) | $780,963 |
| Planning and Project Management | $960,764 |
| Total | $13,240,845 |
An additional $1,704,155 is included in the current fiscal year 2025/2026 budget for the project but has not yet been spent.
Councilmember Trippe asked Town Manager Brad Raulston how this remaining amount will be used. Raulston explained that most of it will go toward ongoing planning and project management, briefing materials for the design-build selection process and financial advisory work to continue project progress. Any unspent funds at the end of the fiscal year will be redirected to phase one construction expenses.
Vice Mayor McKee asked whether the $1.7 million would be sufficient to cover expenses through the rest of the fiscal year. Raulston responded that it should be enough to complete planning documents and obtain preliminary cost estimates, as well as to make minor improvements at Schmitt Hall, such as bathroom updates. Raulston added that any enhancements to the interim projects will be minimal and only for features that will remain in the final plan, avoiding duplication of effort.
Public Works Update
Public Works Director John Ferons reported that the new four-way stop at Washington and Webber Streets is now in effect and being enforced.
A contractor is currently clearing the culvert under Mulberry Street to prepare Hopper Creek for the upcoming rainy season. Next week, construction will begin on creating a spillway at Oak Circle and Oak Leaf Court, a location that typically floods during heavy rains. This is to better direct overflow during intense rainfall events.
Vice Mayor McKee asked about the graffiti crosses appearing along the Hopper Creek path. Ferons said that Public Works removes them as they appear and is working with the Sheriff’s Department to identify the individuals responsible. Residents are encouraged to report any graffiti using the “See, Click, Fix” app.
Parks and Recreation Announcements
Parks and Recreation Director Samantha Holland reminded residents of upcoming community events:
- Oct. 21, 9 a.m. to noon – Wellness Fair at the Community Center, including free flu shots.
- Oct. 25, 2 – 4 p.m. – Halloween Carnival at the Community Center, welcome to all but focused on kids under age 10 of age.
The next Town Council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 4.
