Napa Planning Commission Regular Meeting - December 19, 2024

The Napa Planning Commission met on December 19, 2024, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting marked Chair Gordon Heuther's final meeting after 20 years of service. The agenda included a consent calendar, a consent hearing that was pulled for public comment, and commissioner comments honoring Heuther's tenure.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of December 5, 2024: Approved unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kevin Teague (1455 First Street) thanked Commissioner Heuther for his work advancing design and quality in Napa, calling it a fitting farewell.
• Commissioner Myers (as a commissioner, not public) expressed gratitude for Heuther's role model and leadership.
• Jeremy Sill, local resident, praised Heuther's thoughtful comments and noted the impact of the city's art ordinance.
• Lisa Masaro thanked Heuther for caring about the community.
• No public comments on non-agenda items.

Discussion Items

• 2047 Big Ranch Road Tentative Parcel Map (PL24-0097): This item was pulled from the consent hearing at the request of a commissioner due to concerns from neighbors. The project proposes subdividing a 1.0-acre parcel into four parcels and a remainder, located in the RS-5 zone. Staff presented a modified condition of approval (19AV) that would allow adjacent neighbors (May Shue at 2033 and Todd Morris at 2023) unimpeded access to the proposed private street extension.
• May Shue expressed concern she had not consulted with her engineer (out for Christmas) and requested a one-month continuance to review the new condition, noting earlier opposition from applicant Josh Winston. Todd Morris supported the continuance but said he favored the project after the condition was modified. Staff clarified the condition gives Shue the option to connect; no engineer is needed to interpret it. Applicant Josh Winston opposed a continuance, stating the condition already addresses access and he preferred a decision that evening.
• Commissioners affirmed the condition provides clear access for Shue, with Commissioner Owen and Shotwell emphasizing the language is plain on the record. Commissioner Myers suggested improving noticing for future projects, noting that mailed notices are sometimes returned or overlooked. The public hearing was closed, and the item was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved (moved by Commissioner Myers, seconded, unanimous).
• 2047 Big Ranch Road Tentative Parcel Map: Approved with the modified condition 19AV as outlined in supplemental memo #2. The motion was made by Chair Heuther (who initially recused himself but later participated) and seconded; the vote was unanimous (Commissioners Owen, Shotwell, Myers, and Heuther in favor). Commissioner Huether recused himself due to a potential bias early in the hearing but later returned and made the motion.
• Next Meeting: January 2, 2025.

Commissioner and Staff Comments

• Staff (Ricky Caperton, Ryder Dilley) praised Heuther's guidance and lasting impact on Napa's built environment.
• Commissioners Owen, Shotwell, and Myers delivered farewell remarks, highlighting Heuther's passion for design, public art, and high standards. A message from former Commissioner Paul Kelley (who left three weeks prior) was read, calling Heuther a fierce advocate and friend.
• Chair Heuther thanked the commission and staff, reflecting on the transformation of downtown Napa over 20 years and pledging to remain involved on issues of public art and design.
• The meeting was adjourned.