Cultural Heritage Commission Regular Meeting - September 10, 2026

On September 10, 2026, at 5:30 PM, the Napa Cultural Heritage Commission convened to consider nine Mills Act contract applications, elect new officers, and discuss the status of the Thomas Earle House. Commissioners reviewed each property individually after the entire consent hearing was pulled for discussion. Eight properties received favorable recommendations to City Council, one application was continued, and new Chair and Vice Chair were elected.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: Approved the Cultural Heritage Commission Regular Meeting Minutes for July 9, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided oral testimony during the public comment portions for individual agenda items. Several property owners or their representatives spoke during their respective hearings.

Discussion Items

Selection of Chair and Vice Chair

• Item 3A: Commissioners voted to elect Karen Wesson as Chair and Kent Rasmussen as Vice Chair, effective immediately, replacing outgoing Chair Sarah Van Giesen and Vice Chair Bill Tuikka.

Mills Act Contract Applications (Items 6A through 6I)

Commissioners pulled all nine Mills Act items from the consent calendar for individual discussion. After staff presentations and applicant statements, each property was evaluated for consistency with Secretary of Interior Standards and the city's Mills Act program.

• 6A – 1516 Third Street (Lovejoy Mansion): Applicant Todd Lyon described extensive exterior repairs, interior unit upgrades, and new landscaping. Commissioners noted the home's eligible status and approved a motion to recommend to City Council (5-0).
• 6B – 1907 Spencer Street: Owner Elizabeth Schutz (appearing via Teams) explained plans to replace failing 1980s windows with wood double-hung units matching historic photos. Recommended for approval (5-0).
• 6C – 1340 F Street: Owner Rebecca Schenck detailed foundation work, research at Napa Historical Society, and planned restoration including the water tower. Recommended for approval (5-0).
• 6D – 1031 Vallejo Street: Owner Scott Jensen described completed interior restoration and planned maintenance. Recommended for approval (5-0).
• 6E – 362 Jefferson Street: Owner Andrew Stern emphasized the home's excellent condition and commitment to preservation. Staff noted a clerical error in attachments, which would be corrected before council. Recommended for approval (5-0).
• 6F – 617 Wilson Street (former Silverado Ballet School): Owner Paul Klein shared historical research and plans for roof replacement and window restoration. The commission asked that the 10-year plan be merged with his detailed project description. Recommended for approval (5-0).
• 6G – 576 Patchett Street: Owner Hillary Brennan outlined foundation repairs, window replacements, and potential conversion of an existing detached garage to an ADU. Discussion included appropriateness of a swimming pool (year 8) as a Mills Act improvement; the commission accepted it as a property enhancement. Recommended for approval (5-0).
• 6H – 1423 Seminary Street: No applicant attended. Commissioners criticized the current non-historic windows and vague 10-year plan (e.g., “maintain as necessary”). After debate, the commission voted to continue the item to the November 12, 2026 meeting to allow staff to work with the applicant on a revised plan including window replacement (motion to continue approved 5-0).
• 6I – 333 Randolph Street: Handled via consent after recusal of Commissioner Weston (applicant) and Commissioner McKinne (within 1,000 feet). Commissioner Rasmussen stayed. The commission approved recommending the contract to council with updated attachments (attachments 19 and 20 replaced 17 and 18) (4-0, 1 abstention).

Administrative Reports and Commissioner Comments

• Thomas Earle House: Commissioner Tuikka expressed concern about deteriorating protective plastic on stored architectural elements. A motion to place the property on the November 2026 agenda for a full status report passed unanimously.
• First Street Bridge Stones: Staff reported seeking information on the current location of salvaged stones.
• Historic Signage Program: Commissioner Wesson requested an update on initiating a historic signage program for districts like Fuller Park. Staff will report back on timing for related capital improvement projects.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (recommended to City Council): Mills Act contracts for 1516 Third Street, 1907 Spencer Street, 1340 F Street, 1031 Vallejo Street, 362 Jefferson Street, 617 Wilson Street, 576 Patchett Street, and 333 Randolph Street. All recommendations include findings of CEQA exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 and authorization for the Community Resources and Development Director to execute the contracts.
• Continued: Item 6H (1423 Seminary Street) to November 12, 2026, for a revised 10-year plan.
• New Officers: Karen Wesson elected Chair, Kent Rasmussen elected Vice Chair, effective immediately.
• Future Agenda: A report on the Thomas Earle House will be brought to the November 12, 2026 meeting.