City Council Special Closed Session

Mayor Chris Canning Vice Mayor Irais Lopez-Ortega Councilmembers AGENDA Lisa M. Gift City Council Special Meeting Gary Kraus Closed Session Donald Williams Tuesday, March 15, 2022 - 5:00 PM Virtual * COVID-19 NOTICE * THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953 (AS AMENDED BY AB 361) WHICH AUTHORIZES TELECONFERENCED MEETINGS UNDER THE BROWN ACT DURING CERTAIN PROCLAIMED STATES OF EMERGENCY. THE GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA PROCLAIMED A STATE OF EMERGENCY RELATED TO COVID-19 ON MARCH 4, 2020. THIS TELECONFERENCED MEETING IS NECESSARY SO THAT THE CITY CAN CONDUCT ESSENTIAL BUSINESS AND IS PERMITTED UNDER GOVERNMENT CODE 54953 IN ORDER TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ATTENDEES. Consistent with Government Code Section 54953, this City Council Meeting will be held via teleconference only, and will not be physically open to the public. Councilmembers and staff will teleconference into the meeting by audio and/or video. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom Webinar. Below is information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting. The City recognizes that not all residents have the same ways to stay engaged, so several alternatives are offered. Please participate in the meeting by observing or listening to the meeting in one of the following ways: 1. Watch on your TV – Napa Valley TV Channel 28 (call your cable provider to ensure you have a City of Calistoga coded cable box) 2. Listen or participate via your phone – dial 1-669-900-6833, enter webinar ID: 829-0729-5419, password: 123201 3. Watch or participate online via Zoom - click this link and enter password: 123201 4. Watch online via YouTube Live at youtube.com/cityofcalistoga COMMENT ON THIS MATTER DURING THE MEETING: Please participate in the meeting by providing public comment on any item on the agenda or any item of municipal concern. To comment during a virtual meeting (Zoom), click the "Raise Your Hand" button to request to speak when Public Comment is being taken on the Agenda item. You will be unmuted when it is your turn to make your comment for up to 3 minutes. After allotted time, you will be re-muted. Instructions for how to "Raise Your Hand" are available at: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/205566129-Raise-Hand-In-Webinar. WRITTEN COMMENTS: Alternatively, you may provide public comment on any item on the agenda or any item of municipal concern via email. Please submit your comment, limited to 350 words or less, via email to publiccomment@ci.calistoga.ca.us. Written public comments submitted by email should clearly indicate the Agenda Item No. or specify “Oral Communications” in the Subject Line for items not on the agenda and are requested to include the submitter’s full name. Comments received by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be posted online with the agenda packet and included in the record but will not be read aloud. Comments received after 4:00 p.m. will be made part of the written record but will not be read verbally at the meeting. The City of Calistoga thanks you in advance for taking all precautions to prevent spreading the COVID-19 virus. Note: The methods of observing or listening to the meeting or providing public comments may be altered or the meeting may be cancelled, if needed, due to certain technical disruptions. You may check on the status of the meeting by visiting the City website at www.ci.calistoga.ca.us for any updates or changes should they occur. Page 0 of 12  Page 1. CALL TO ORDER – ROLL CALL 2. ORAL COMMUNICATION This is a Special Meeting, pursuant to provisions of Government Code §54957, this is the time provided for members of the public to address the City Council regarding matters of municipal concern for the item listed below (maximum of three minutes per speaker). 3. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION ON THE FOLLOWING MATTER: 3.1. Conference with Real Property Negotiations, GC §54956.8 3- Property: 1435 North Oak Street, APN 011-140-006, APN 011-140-007, APN 12 011-140-055, APN 011-481-022 Agency Negotiator: Laura Snideman, City Manager Negotiating Parties: Napa County CEO, Minh C. Tran Under Negotiation: Price and/or Terms for Payment for Potential Purchase of Property 3.1 Public Comments - Redacted 4. CONVENE TO OPEN SESSION TO REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION 5. ADJOURNMENT NOTICE: If you challenge a city’s zoning, planning, or other decision in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing. Judicial review of any City administrative decision may be had only if a petition is filed with the court not later than the 90th day following the date upon which the decision becomes final. Judicial review of environmental determinations may be subject to a shorter time period for Litigation, in certain cases 30 days following the date of final decision. Pursuant to GC §54957.5 any writings/documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection on the City website at www.ci.calistoga.ca.us. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: The City can provide special assistance for persons with disabilities to participate in public meetings. To make a request for disability-related modification or accommodation please contact the City Clerk at mrittburg@ci.calistoga.ca.us or (707) 942-2807. If you need assistance or accommodation, please provide notice at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. For TTY/ Speech-to-Speech users, dial 7-1-1 for the California Relay Service, offering free text-to-speech, speech- to-speech, and Spanish language services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Se les pide por favor que avise con 48 horas de anticipación cuando haga un pedido para asistencia. Esto les da suficiente tiempo antes de la junta para permitir que la ciudad tome medidas razonables. POSTING: I declare a copy of this agenda was posted at City Hall, 1232 Washington Street, Calistoga, among other locations in the city limits of Calistoga, on March 10, 2022, by 4:30 p.m. Page 1 of 12  g t Additional Writio~ Meeting of Item No. Distributed .• d-~ ;3 -1 1-::Z ~ Marni Rittburg From: icornell cornellgroup.com Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2022 4:34 PM To: Public Comment; Chris Canning; Laura Snideman; publiccomment@countyofnapa.org; Minh.Tran@countyofnapa.org; Helene.Franchi@countyofnapa.org; Donald Williams; Subject: Auto Racing at Calistoga Speedway CAUTION: This email originated from outside ofthe organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. With Covid shutdowns over the past couple of years, I was not aware until I received an email today that racing at Calistoga Speedway -- including the popular Louis Vermeil Classic -- may not be returning to the Napa County Fairgrounds. I hope that is not the final decision and that racing will return. I live in Folsom. My friends and I enjoy going to Calistoga for the races, grabbing dinner before the green flag drops and the action starts on the half-mile dirt oval. I think racing fans from throughout Northern California would agree in a request to please keep that green flag flying and resume the racing action at Calistoga Speedway. Many thanks, Ian Ian B. Cornell 1 Page 3 of 11 Marni Rittburg From: Scott Gleba Sent Thursday, March 10, 2022 5:07 PM To: Public Comment Subject: Luis Vermeil classic CAUTION: This email origioated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content Is safe. Dear County and City Officials, I am writing to express my hope that a transfer of ownership of the Napa County Fairgrounds will be finalized, thus saving the historic Calistoga Speedway. I understand that much effort and work is ongoing, which is immensely appreciated by the racing enthusiasts nationwide. Calistoga Speedway is one of only two remaining half-mile dirt tracks in California and has a history that dates back to 1937. That history includes the names of countless race drivers and car owners who became elite figures in auto racing . The annual "Louie Vermeil Classic" honors Calistoga resident Louie Vermeil, the driving force behind Auto Racing at Calistoga Speedway on The Napa County Fairgrounds. Calistoga and the Napa Valley are rich in history, and I believe the Fairground Speedway is one of the most unique and memorable dirt tracks. Thank you for allowing me to express my desire to see racing continue at Calistoga Speedway for many years to come. Regards, [Scottj Gleba] [Auburn Ca] Sent from my iPad l Page 4 of 11 Marni Rittburg From: John Demartini Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2022 5:30 PM To: Public Comment Subject Calistoga Speedway Attachments: Charlie & AIJpg CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear County and City Officials, I am writing to express my hope that a transfer of ownership of the Napa County Fairgrounds will be finalized., tlius. saving the historic Calistoga Speedway. Calistoga Speedway 1s one of only two remaining half-mile dirt tracks in California and has a history that dates oack to 1937. I am the THIRD generation to still attend races at Calistoga. This rich history includes the names of many race drivers and car owners who became elite drivers going on to Indianapolis Speedway. The annual "Louie Vermeil Classic" honors Calistoga resident Louie Vermeil, the driving force behind Auto Racing at Calistoga Speedway on The Napa County Fairgrounds. Calistoga and the Napa Valley are rich in history, and I believe the Fairground Speedway is one of the most unique and memorable dirt tracks in USA This t rack brings a tremendous amount of money to the town of Calistoga between hotel stays, camp ground, dining, and purchases. The potentia1 of this sale is critical to the town of Calistoga. This is a WIN WIN situation for all. 1 don't understand the delay in this transaction? Come on guys lets get with it! Thank you for allowing me to express my Views. John Demartini San Francisco, Ca. 1 Page 5 of 11 Marni Rittburg From: Jim Ros Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2022 8:19 PM To: Public Comment; Chris Canning; Laura Snideman; publiccomment@countyofnapa.org; Minh.Tran@countyofnapa.org; Helene.Franchi@countyofnapa.org; Donald W illiams; Subject: Napa County Fairgrounds CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear County and City Officials, I am writing to express my hope that a transfer of ownersh ip of the Napa County Fairgrounds wil l be finalized, th us saving the historic Calistoga Speedway. I understand that much effort and work is ongoing, which is immensely appreciated by t he racing enthusiasts nationwide. Calistoga Speedway is one of only two remain ing ha lf-mile dirt t racks in California and has a history that dates back to 1937. That history incl udes the names of countless race drivers and car owners who became elite figures in auto racing. The annual "Lou ie Vermeil Classic" honors Calist oga resident Louie Verme il, the driving force behind Auto Racing at Calistoga Speedway on The Napa County Fairgrounds. Calistoga and t he Napa Val ley are rich in history, and I believe the Fairground Speedway is one of the most unique and memorable dirt tracks. Thank you for allowing me to express my desire to see racing continue at Cal istoga Speedway for many years t o come. Regards, Jim Rose Sacramento, CA 1 Page 6 of 11 Marni Rittburg From: Deana Butler Sent Friday, March 11, 2022 5:51 AM To: Public Comment Subject: Calistoga Race Track CAUTION: Ihis email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear County and City Officials, I am writing to express my hope that a transfer of ownership of the Napa County Fairgrounds will be fina lized, t hus saving the historic Calistoga Speedway. I understand that much effort and work is ongoing, which is immensely appreciated by the racing enthusiasts nationwide. Calistoga Speedway is one of o nly two remain ing ha lf-mile d irt tracks in California and has a history that dates back to 1937. That history includes t he names of countless race drivers and car owne rs who became el ite figures in auto racing. The annual "Louie Vermeil Classic" honors Calistoga resident Louie Vermeil, the driving force behind Auto Racing at Calistoga Speedway on The Napa County Fairgrounds. Calistoga and the Napa Valley are rich in history, and I believe the Fairground Speedway is one of the most unique and memorable dirt tracks. Thank you for allowing me to express my desire to see racing continue at Calistoga Speedway for many years to come. In His name, Deana and Jim Butler 1 Page 7 of 11 Marni Rittburg From: April Mistretta Sent: Friday, March 11, 2022 7:49 AM To: Public Comment; Chris Canning; Laura Snideman; publiccomment@countyofnapa.org; Minh.Tran@coun ofna a.or ; Helene.Franchi@countyofnapa.org; Donald Williams; Subject: Calistoga Speedway Importance: High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do oot click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear County and City Officials, I am writing to express my hope that a transfer of ownership of the Napa County Fairgrounds will be finalized, thus saving the historic Cal istoga Speedway. I understand that much effort and work is ongoing, which is immensely appreciated by the racing enthusiasts nationwide. Calistoga Speedway is one of only two rema ining half-mile dirt tracks in California and has a history that dates back to 1937. That history includes the names of countless race drivers and car owners who became elite figures in auto racing. The annual "Louie Vermeil Classic" honors Calistoga resident Louie Vermeil, the driving force behind Auto Racing at Calistoga Speedway on The Napa County Fairgrounds. Calistoga and the Napa Valley are rich in history, and I believe the Fairground Speedway is one of the most unique and memorable dirt tracks. Thank you for allowing me to express my desire to see racing continue at Calistoga Speedway for many years to come . Regards, April Mistretta Hollister, CA 1 Page 8 of 11 Marni Rittburg From: Desepte Sent: Friday, March 11, 2022 8:38 AM To: Public Comment; Chris Canning; Laura Snideman; publiccomment@countyofnapa.org; Minh.Tran@count ofna a.or ; Helene.Franchi@co untyofnapa.org; Donald Williams; Subject: Historic Calistoga Speedway CAUTl0N: This email odginated from outside of t he organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize t he sender and know the content is safe. Dear County and City Officials, I am writing to express my hope that a transfer of ownership of the Napa County Fairgrounds will be finalized, thus saving the historic Calistoga Speedway. I understand that much effort and work is ongoing, which is immensely appreciated by the racing enthusiasts nationwide. Calistoga Speedway is one of only two remaining half-mile dirt tracks in California and has a history that dates back to 1937. That history includes the names of countless race drivers and car owners who became elite figures in auto racing. The annual "Louie Vermeil Classic" honors Calistoga resident Louie Vermeil, the driving force behind Auto Racing at Calistoga Speedway on The Napa County Fairgrounds. Calistoga and the Napa Valley are rich in history, and I believe the Fairground Speedway is one of the most unique and memorable dirt tracks. I have personally spent many beautiful, warm, exciting evenings there as a child with my family and as a adult for the last 50 years and want to continue enjoying such a unique beautiful place. Thank you for allowing me to express my desire to see racing continue at Calistoga Speedway for many years to come. Regards, Chuck Desepte Healdsburg, CA Page 9 of 11 Marni Rittburg From: Rod Winkle Sent: Friday, March 11, 2022 11 :00 AM To: Public Comment; Chris Canning; Laura Snideman; publiccomment@countyofnapa.org; Minh.Tran@countyofnapa.org; Helene.Franchi@countyofnapa.org; Donald Williams Cc: CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Napa County and City of Calistoga Officials, I wanted to express to you my support and encouragement of your negotiations and efforts to transfer ownership of the Napa County Fairgrounds to the City of Calistoga in hopes that this will allow the preservation and continued operation of the historic and unique Calistoga Speedway. I am a life time racing fan with a 4 generation family racing history in various forms. I have attended many races at Calistoga Speedway over the last 45 years and the lack of activity over the last couple of years at the track has left a huge void in the sport and in the heart of motorsports fans nationwide and even worldwide w ith the recent rise of streaming services broadcasting racing. Just a few weeks ago I was watching a race at Western Springs Speedway in New Zealand on Flo Racing and they actually talked about the Calistoga Speedway and their hopes that it would re-open and they would be able watch races their again. The speedway is one of the most unique and picturesque tracks in this state and country and is truly is one of a kind that would be greatly missed if everyone involved isn't able to come together to save it. I also believe that it provides a significant econom ic benefit to the city and the local area when large events are held at the track such as the Lou is Vermeil Classic, World of Outlaws, USAC/CRA, King of the West/Northern Auto Racing Club, and Flat Track Motorcycle Racing that have a large following of fans and participants creating surges of additional patronage of local lodging, restaurants, wineries, shops and all attractions. I know many of you may not be race fans, but there are many thousands of people in Northern California and beyond that would miss this track very much if it were to disappear. Please do all you can to come together in agreement and find a way to keep th is track going so that those of us that value it don't see it disappear. Thank you for your Consideration Rod Winkle Chico, California. 1 Page 10 of 11 Marni Rittburg From: John Redican Sent: Friday, March 11, 2022 12:03 PM To: Public Comment; Chris Canning; Laura Snideman; publiccomment@countyofnapa.org; Minh.Tran@count ofna a.or ; Helene.Franchi@countyofnapa.org; Donald Williams; Subject: CALISTOGA SPEEDWAY CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear County and City Officials, I am writing to express my hope that a transfer of ownership of the Napa County Fairgrounds will be finalized, tlius saving the historic calistoga Speedway. I understand that much effort and work is ongoing, which is immensely appreciated by the racing enthusiasts nationwide. Calistoga Speedway is one of only two remaining half-mile dirt tracks in California and has a history that dates oack to 1937. That history includes tlie names of countless race drivers and car owners who became elite figtrres in auto racing. The annual "Louie Vermeil Classic" honors Calistoga resident Louie Vermeil, the driving force behind Auto Racing at Calistoga Speedway on The Napa County Fairgrounds. Calistoga and the Napa Valley are rich in history, and I believe the Fairground Speedway is one of the most unique and memorable dirt tracks. Thank you for allowing me to express my desire to see racing continue at Calistoga Speedway for many years to come. Regards, JOHN REDICAN CHATSWORTH, CA 91311 1 Page 11 of 11 Marni Rittburg From: scooterd145 Sent: Friday, March 11, 2022 1:19 PM To: Public Comment; Chris Canning; Laura Snideman; publiccomment@countyofnapa.org; M inh.Tran@countyofnapa.org; Helene.Franchi@countyofnapa.org; Donald Williams; Subject: Racing in Calistoga CAlJTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments on less you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear County and City Officials, I am writing to express my hope that a transfer of ownership of the Napa County Fairgrounds will be finalized, thus saving the historic Calistoga Speedway. I understand that much effort and work is ongoing, which is immensely appreciated by the racing enthusiasts nationwide. Calistoga Speedway is one of only two remaining half-mile dirt tracks in California and has a history that dates back to 1937. That history includes the names of countless race drivers and car owners who became elite figures in auto racing. The annual "Louie Vermeil Classic" honors Calistoga resident Louie Vermeil, the driving force behind Auto Racing at Calistoga Speedway on The Napa County Fairgrounds. Calistoga and the Napa Valley are rich in history, and I believe the Fairground Speedway is one of the most unique and memorable dirt tracks. Thank you for allowing me to express my desire to see racing continue at Calistoga Speedway for many years to come. Regards, Leon Dumont Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone 1 Page 12 of 11