Fairgrounds Advisory Committee

AGENDA Fairgrounds Advisory Committee City of Calistoga Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 6:00 PM Tucker Building 2505 Grant Street Calistoga, CA 94515 MEMBERS Shane Pavitt, Chair Karen Jensen, Vice Chair David Gates, Member William Squire, Member Hal Taylor, Member CITY COUNCIL LIAISONS Mayor Donald Williams Vice Mayor Gift STAFF LIAISON Sheli Wright, Fairgrounds Director SECRETARY Salana Whitehead City Hall 1232 Washington Street | Calistoga, CA 94515 Phone (707)942-2805 | Fax: (707) 942-0732 www.calistogaca.gov Fairgrounds Advisory Committee Agenda March 26, 2026 GENERAL INFORMATION The Fairgrounds Advisory Committee meets as specified in its adopted annual calendar on the last Thursday of every month at 6:00 P.M. in regular session at 1435 N Oak Street, Calistoga, CA 94515. Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed. Information Available: Documents related to this meeting are available on our Meeting Portal or by contacting the City Clerk. After the agenda packet is distributed, any documents related to an agenda item are available for public inspection at City Hall. Governing Law: The Fairgrounds Advisory Committee conducts all meetings in accordance with the "Ralph M. Brown Act" (California Government Code Sections 54950, et seq.) and pursuant to the City of Calistoga Committee Bylaws, City of Calistoga Code of Ethics, ordinances of the City, and applicable state law. Access to Public Meetings: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals requiring special assistance to participate in this meeting may contact the City Clerk’s Office at (707) 942-2807. To facilitate proper arrangements, we kindly request that any requests for reasonable accommodations be submitted at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting. Wheelchair access to the Calistoga Community Center and a speaker's microphone are available to all persons. Para obtener la traducción de documentos o asistencia especial para participar en esta reunión, comuníquese con la Oficina del Secretario Municipal al (707) 942-2807. Para facilitar los arreglos adecuados, le solicitamos que cualquier solicitud de adaptaciones razonables se envíe al menos 48 horas antes de la reunión programada. How to Participate - Written Comments: To submit a general public comment or to comment on a specific agenda item, please direct your email to publiccomment@calistogaca.gov. To guarantee that your comments are received and distributed appropriately, the subject line of your email should clearly state “Fairgrounds Advisory Committee,” along with the relevant agenda item, if applicable. Comments must be submitted at least four hours prior to the meeting start time to be included in the agenda and posted online. Comments received thereafter, will be made part of the official record and given to the Committee after the meeting. How to Participate - Oral Comments: In accordance with the California Government Code Section 54954.3, members of the public are permitted to address the Fairgrounds Advisory Committee during the designated public comment period and in relation to any agenda item under consideration. Each participant has the option to provide their name for the record prior to speaking and will be allotted three (3) minutes for their remarks. The Chair reserves the right to limit public comments should they become irrelevant to the agenda item or if they are repetitive of previous statements. Furthermore, the Chair is responsible for maintaining order and decorum throughout the meeting. 2026 Fairgrounds Advisory Committee Work Plan 1. Guide in developing a Fairgrounds Revitalization Plan. Conduct a comprehensive analysis of available grants and alternative funding 2. mechanisms to secure additional financial resources. Identify and evaluate Fairgrounds infrastructure projects that have the potential to 3. generate sustainable revenue. Review the fairgrounds site and provide history and analysis of the area and its 4. infrastructure and ground areas. 5. Prepare a Revitalization plan and present this plan(s) to the City Council. Page 2 of 16 Fairgrounds Advisory Committee Agenda March 26, 2026 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS An opportunity for members of the public to directly address the Committee on topics of interest that are not included on the agenda. Individuals wishing to speak must state their name and address and are requested to limit their comments to three minutes. In accordance with the restrictions set forth by the Brown Act, the Committee is unable to engage in substantive discussions or take action on issues that are not outlined in the agenda. 3.1. 3.26.26 Public Comment- General (Page 4 - 7) 4. DIRECTOR REPORT Fairgrounds Revitalization Director presents status reports on projects and shares anything relevant to the purpose and scope of the Committee.  Butler  RV Sewer Project 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The official vote by the Committee to accept or amend the minutes of previous meetings. 5.1. Approval of draft minutes from the previous regular meeting Fairgrounds Advisory Committee - Feb 26 2026 - Minutes - Pdf (Page 8 - 9) 6. AGENDA ITEMS Items for discussion or decision by the Committee. During discussion, Committee members may ask staff questions, and public comments are allowed except during motions. 6.1. Golf Subcommittee (Hal & David) - Gold Course Discussion & Option for Vote 6.2. Meeting Logistics- Discussion & Option for Vote 3.26.26 FAC Public Comment- 6.2 (Page 10 - 11) 6.3. Calistoga Fairgrounds Foundation (Bill) - Discussion Capital Campaign C&C Committee report 3 26 2026 (Page 12 - 16) 3.26.26 FAC Public Comment 6.3 (Page 12 - 16) 3.26.26 FAC Public Comment 6.3. (Page 12 - 16) 7. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS Committee members and subcommittees to present reports on items of general interest or the status of Committee projects. Brief questions for clarification may be asked and answered, and the Committee may request that items be added to a future agenda. However, except in certain circumstances, the Brown Act restricts any further discussion or action by the Committee. 7.1. Sub Committee Reports and Discussion 1. Site Analysis (Karen and Hal) 2. Capital Campaign& Outreach (Bill & Hal) 3. Budget & Infrastructure Projection (Shane &Bill) 4. Site Development Plan (David & Karen) 5. Golf Sub Committee (Hal & David) 8. ADJOURNMENT Page 3 of 16  Item #3.1. Mark Oppenheim< > Public Comment Donald Williams;Carmen Meyer < 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. To the City of Calistoga Fairgrounds Advisory Committee and its Chair: My name is Mark Oppenheim - I'm a resident of Calistoga with an interest in the development of the Fairgrounds as a community asset, and at this point am simply trying to be informed with the intention of just helping. I have particular expertise in developing effective 501c3 entities, and in fostering productive collaboration between 501c3s and municipalities. I have been in contact with Donald Williams, board members of the Calistoga Fairgrounds Foundation, and various City employees. I will attend Thursday's FAC meeting to listen, but have two overarching questions: 1. I have reviewed the attached “Napa County Fairgrounds Opportunity Assessment” that was produced by the RCH Group and A. Plescia & Co. To what extent is the Assessment (attached) still valid and being used by the FAC to guide its work? https://services.napacounty.gov/AgendaNet/DownloadDocument.aspx?type=BOS&doctyp e=ATTACHMENT&id=39940 2. Where can members of the public view progress to date of the Committee items mentioned in the agenda document? Such information will be essential in developing a fundraising campaign that connects different kind of donors to an independent 501c3 that raises funds. · Site Analysis (Karen and Hal) · Capital Campaign & Outreach (Bill & Hal) · Budget & Infrastructure Projection (Shane &Bill) · Site Development Plan (David & Karen) · Golf Sub Committee (Hal & David) I can take in the information by email, phone ( ) or in person at the FAC meeting at 6pm on Thursday March 26. Page 4 of 16  Item #3.1. Proactively sharing such information with members of the 501c3's board is in the community's interest. It will help the joint effort to see the Fairgrounds developed as a public asset. Members of the Foundation are copied here. Thanks so much! Mark ******************************************************************** Mark Oppenheim (he/him/his) m/Oppenheim Executive Search Executive Search | Talent Acquisition | Strategy Alignment Support ******************************************************************** Page 5 of 16  Item #3.1. Page 6 of 16  Item #3.1. 10 March 2026 - City Council meeting. - Community Center - page 1 of 2 I emailed Mayor Williams asking if it was too late to add an item to the agenda and the answer was Yes, So I am presenting it in public comment. To hopefully NOT have a repeat of a very contentious, Committee meeting that I recently attended. I am suggesting that the City Council add this subject to the next Council agenda. That there be an amendment to the "Advisory Committee Bylaws" established by Resolution No. 2025-34 on April 29, 2025. The amendment should state the "Role and Purpose of a City Council Liaison" giving clear and concise protocol for their role in committee or commission meetings. At the April 29, 2025 City Council meeting in the Staff Report and Resolution to adopt the current "Advisory Committee Bylaws" due to the various conflicting documents in the previous Bylaws, staff recommended that there be "A RESET of various rules and an opportunity to review the City Council committee Liaison role". Included in the staff report on page 2 - "Advisory Committee Bylaws and City Council Liaison Role" Resolution No 2024-29- "Role and Purpose of a Liaison" is a list of 9 directions, some conflicting with others. BUT, NONE were included in the current "Advisory Committee Bylaws adopted on April 29, 2025, where all previous Resolutions were revoked and replaced by Resolution 2025-34. Unfortunately Resolution 2025-34 DID NOT address the concerns mentioned in the staff report of "A reset of various rules and an opportunity to review the City Council committee Liaison role". The current Resolution 2025-34 "Advisory Committee Bylaws" does NOT have ANY direction or mention for the role of City Council Liaison! 10 March 2026 - City Council meeting. - Community Center - page 2 of 2 Therefore please remedy the extremely unpleasant confusion that has occurred at previous Committee meetings and add: From page 2, under Role and purpose of a Liaison (Resolution No 2024-29) No 4 - 'The Liaison should not be an advocate for the Committee/Commission, give direction, or influence a decision of the Committee/Commission. The Liaison may however assist and provide information" Including or resubmitting the now absent "Role and Purpose of the Liaison" into the 2025-34 should remedy a repeat of confusing and conflicting information during committee meetings. Page 7 of 16  Item #5.1. MEETING MINUTES Fairgrounds Advisory Committee | Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 6:00 PM Calistoga Fairgrounds, Tucker Building 2505 Grant Street , Calistoga CA 94515 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL Vice Chair Jensen called the regular session to order at 6:01pm. MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice Chair Jensen, Member Squire, Member Taylor MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair Pavitt, Member Gates CITY COUNCIL & Vice Mayor- Lisa Gift, Fairgrounds Director- Sheli STAFF PRESENT: Wright, Secretary-Salana Whitehead 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS 3.1. Public comment was received from Kelly Nelson, Cindy Yant, Doug Hilt, and Pat Merchant. 4. DIRECTOR REPORT 4.1.  Butler- Butler roof is completed and we are waiting for the final.  RV Sewer Project- The 1st sewer stub work will begin in a month or so to provide improved sewer access to the RV park and RV house. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5.1. Approval of draft minutes from the previous regular meeting Motion by Committee Member Squire and seconded by Committee Member Taylor Motion Carried AYES: Committee Member Jensen, Committee Member Squire, and Committee Member Taylor NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Committee Member Pavitt and Committee Member Gates 6. AGENDA ITEMS 6.1. St. Helena High School Student Project - Informal presentation by student Jacob Zuniga Jacob was unable to attend but his teacher Michelle Deezy shared the school to work transition program at the high school. The school will be doing a landscape design project at the old Lions Club garden area. Minutes Page 1 of 2 Page 8 of 16  Item #5.1. Fairgrounds Advisory Committee February 26, 2026 6.2. Study Area & Urban Economic Opportunity Zones Maps Sheli shared 2 maps that member Gates created on his iPad at last month's meeting that he was unable to share with all. The maps are intended to be a starting point to break up the fairground's property into groups. 7. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS 7.1. Sub Committee Reports - 1. Site Analysis (Karen & Hal) a. Report & Brainstorming Discussion 2. Capital Campaign & Outreach (Bill & Hal) a. Report & Brainstorming Discussion 3. Budget & Infrastructure Projection (Shane & Bill) a. Report & Brainstorming Discussion 4. Site Development Plan (David & Karen) a. Report & Brainstorming Discussion 5. Golf Subcommittee (Hal & David) 1a. Site Analysis subcommittee requested a list of known maintenance and repair items. Sheli is working on a list and she will share when it's completed. Subcommittee would also like to request a contract with a professional surveyor for a topographical survey from Council. 2a. Capital Campaign & Outreach subcommittee have made arrangements for monuments of past fair directors to be moved back to the Fairgrounds. Hal suggested creating a Fairgrounds project website so the community can be involved in the renovation process. 3a. Budget & Infrastructure subcommittee hasn't had an opportunity to meet yet. 4a. Stie Development subcommittee is waiting on site analysis. 5a. Golf subcommittee have been talking to vendors who are interested in running a golf course. The goal is for a long term, profitable and successful golf course. In March they will be identifying the water challenges by meeting with Public Works. There was public comment by Cindy Yant, Keri Abreu, and Lana Richardson. 8. ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Jensen adjourned the meeting at 6:57pm. Minutes Page 2 of 2 Page 9 of 16  Item #6.2. Agenda item 6.2 FAC meeting logistics/location Lana Richardson< > Public Comment 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. I submitted the following public comment at the Feb 26, 2026 FAC meeting. As noted in the comment, I believe it is very important for the FAC meetings to be held in a location conducive to audio, video, YouTube and Zoom. Regardless of time of meeting, this is fundamental to making the meeting more widely available to those who may not be able to attend. ——————————————————- At the Jan FAC meeting, the committee presented a comprehensive plan and proposed subcommittees to address specific areas of the work plan. Unfortunately, only a small number of people were in attendance to hear/comment on the plan. The work plan is available on the City website but the members comments are only heard by those who attend the meetings. This is why it is so important to have the meetings at a time and place that facilitates a significant number of Calistogans to be involved in the meetings and discussions. Ideally, the meeting location should include audio/video tools such as Zoom and YouTube. This will also make meetings available to those who cannot attend in person. FAC will most likely have presentations soon that will require PowerPoint or other video presentation tools. The fairgrounds revitalization is a particularly important project for Calistoga. The outcome Page 10 of 16  Item #6.2. will decide revenue opportunities which will make it viable and self-sustaining for the long term. Ultimately, it is taxpayer dollars that were used to purchase the property and will also be an important factor in supporting the project and renovations moving forward. Lana Richardson Calistoga Page 11 of 16  Item #6.3. City of Calistoga | COMMITTEE REPORT DATE: March 26, 2026 COMMITTEE INFORMATION: Fairgrounds Advisory Committee – Capital Campaign & Outreach; Bill Squire DESCRIPTION: Consideration and direction regarding a collaborative campaign effort between the Native Sons, the Calistoga Fairgrounds Foundation, and the City of Calistoga Fairgrounds Advisory Committee to support improvements and long-term sustainability of the Calistoga Fairgrounds. RECOMMENDATION: Provide authorization to the Fairgrounds Advisory Committee to allow partnerships with the Native Sons and the Calistoga Fairgrounds Foundation to develop and implement a capital campaign strategy. Initial efforts would include planning and hosting a fundraising dinner event to support priority capital improvements, specifically the installation of heating and air conditioning in the Butler Building. SUMMARY: The Calistoga Fairground serves as a critical community asset, supporting heritage, community events, and emergency response functions. Continued investment is necessary to maintain and enhance facilities to meet current and future needs. A collaborative capital campaign is proposed to leverage community partnerships and philanthropic support. The Native Sons and the Calistoga Fairgrounds Foundation have expressed interest in working together alongside the City’s Fairgrounds Advisory Committee to develop fundraising strategies and community engagement efforts. As an initial project, the partners propose hosting a fundraising dinner event to generate support for the installation of a heating and air conditioning system in the Butler Building. This improvement will enhance year-round usability, increase rental opportunities, and improve comfort for community events. The fundraising goal for this effort is $120,000. ANALYSIS: The Fairgrounds Advisory Committee plays an important role in guiding improvements and ensuring the long-term viability of the Fairgrounds. By partnering with established community organizations such as the Native Sons and the Calistoga Fairgrounds Foundation, the City can expand its capacity to raise funds and engage the public. A structured capital campaign will allow for: Identification and prioritization of capital improvement projects - Development of targeted fundraising strategies - Strengthening of community partnerships - Increased visibility and support for the Fairgrounds Page 12 of 16  Item #6.3. The proposed first partnership project is a fundraising dinner that will serve as a pilot effort to evaluate the effectiveness of collaborative fundraising initiatives. Success of this event may inform future campaigns and larger-scale capital efforts. The Butler Building is a key facility within the Fairgrounds and is used for meetings, events, and emergency operations. The addition of heating and air conditioning will significantly improve functionality and expand seasonal use, making it a strong candidate for initial fundraising efforts. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no immediate fiscal impact to the City’s General Fund associated with providing direction for the capital campaign. Costs associated with the capital improvements will be supported through fundraising efforts and potential external contributions. The initial fundraising goal for the Butler Building HVAC project is $120,000. CEQA STATUS: The proposed direction does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is therefore not subject to environmental review at this time. Any future capital improvements will be evaluated for CEQA compliance as required. ATTACHMENT(S): None Page 13 of 16  Item #6.3. Tim Reilly< >Public Comment Sheli Wright;'Shane Pavitt' < > 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. City of Calistoga Public Comment Portal - Please find attached my comments, being submitted to the March 26, 2026 Fairgrounds Advisory Committee meeting per Agenda Item #6.3, Discussion of the FAC Capital Campaign & Outreach Sub-Committee Recommendation to Establish Partnerships to Develop and Implement a Capital Campaign Strategy. If convenient please confirm receipt via a brief responding email. Thank you – Tim Reilly Comments of Tim Reilly on 20260326 Fairgrounds Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Item 6.3: Discussion of the FAC Capital Campaign & Outreach Sub-Committee Recommendation to Establish Partnerships to Develop and Implement a Capital Campaign Strategy Under Agenda Item 6.3, the FAC Capital Campaign & Outreach Sub-Committee recommends that the FAC be granted authorization to allow partnerships with the Native Sons and the Calistoga Fairgrounds Foundation to develop and implement a capital campaign strategy. I offer for consideration several reasons why this recommendation should not be approved. The roles, responsibilities, and operational protocols of the proposed non-governmental partners are undefined. Because of this ambiguity, it’s unclear what benefits and vulnerabilities the community would derive or incur from taking such an action. Both candidate partners are already fully able to collaborate with the City on City-led fundraising efforts, similar to other organizations and individuals. So why assign partner status to these two candidates? What are the bases for their selection? Would the same selection criteria be applied to other entities who offer to partner? How would funding opportunities be vetted and how would grant proposals be reviewed to assure conformance with planning and other activities of the FAC? It seems likely that formalizing such a relationship with two specific entities now – before the City completes planning that includes facilitating meaningful public participation – will erode the public’s confidence that planning is proceeding in good faith, and that Page 14 of 16  Item #6.3. alternatives are being considered as objectively as possible. Because the public is not privy to the membership composition or revenue sources of the proposed partners, Calistogans cannot assess the degree to which their actions might be influenced by people or entities outside our community. It’s noteworthy that one of the candidate partners has seemingly concluded that the search for alternatives is over, and it’s time to move forward with more aggressive fund raising to support its favored outcome, regardless of the adverse effect this might have on considering other, potentially competing alternatives. This position clearly conflicts with FAC’s 2026 Workplan Goals. Ultimately, the broader community's perception that the City has elevated the status of non-governmental entities—especially one whose mission does not align with the FAC’s 2026 Workplan Goals—to what may reasonably be perceived to be a quasi-governmental capacity, may serve to reinforce concerns about premature decisions that may constrain decision-making. The concern for alignment amongst partners on planning goals also reinforces the need to establish guidelines for how project status, intended outcomes, and other issues are communicated to the outside funding community. Non-alignment on messaging the intended planning goals could confuse and damage existing relationships the City has with philanthropic organizations and granting agencies. The FAC 2026 Workplan Goals provide a solid framework for guiding Fairgrounds planning. Approving the sub-committee’s recommendation as described under Agenda Item 6.3 would offer no benefit to the community; severely undermine the FAC’s ability to implement and achieve the stated goals of its Workplan; and could be perceived as evidence of City bias toward a specific, preordained outcome, at the same time the City purports to support an open and transparent process to consider alternatives. Instead of memorializing partnerships at this very early stage of project planning, it seems more prudent and effective – and less confusing for all involved - for the FAC to focus on implementing the Workplan; establishing a separate subcommittee to solicit and incorporate public involvement in support of tasks undertaken by the other subcommittees; and initiating the selection process for retaining the consulting services identified in the Workplan. Thank you for considering these comments. Respectfully submitted, Tim Reilly Calistoga Page 15 of 16  Item #6.3. Public Comment - FAC March 26, 2026 Lana Richardson< > Public Comment 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. Revitalization Director Sheli Wright Fairgrounds Advisory Committee: Chair Shane Pavitt, vice-chair Karen Jensen, members David Gates, Bill Squire, Hal Taylor Public Comment – Fairgrounds Advisory Committee Agenda item 6.3 Based on the C&C report from Bill Squire included on 3/26/26 FAC agenda, this item proposes that FAC work with Native Sons and Calistoga Fairgrounds Foundation, presumably to raise funds for revitalization. Until a Sponsorship / Master Plan consultant is selected, the purpose of this relationship is unclear. If this item is related to developing the Sponsorship Master Plan, it should only be considered if an RFP was sent to at least 2 other organizations for response and review prior to selection. Additionally, the statement references uses of the ‘funds’ for improvements to the Butler Building, specifically heating and air conditioning. This seems extremely premature and potentially would not align with goals/objectives of a detailed Revitalization Master Plan for the Calistoga Fairgrounds. Regardless of the source of funds, it is imperative that a detailed and comprehensive Revitalization Master Plan be developed and approved before funds are allocated to areas of the property which ultimately will be impacted by the plan. Lana Richardson, Calistoga Page 16 of 16