Calistoga City Council reviews mayor's appointments and celebrates new recreation coordinator

The Calistoga City Council convened for its regular meeting on December 19, 2023, at 6:03 PM, with all council members present. The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a public comment session where residents could address the council on matters of municipal concern.

During the oral communication segment, a resident, Doug Allen, expressed his concerns regarding the mayor's proposed appointments to the planning and housing committees. He argued that the inclusion of new members without sufficient experience, particularly the omission of Tim Wilkes and Laurel Gourd, could hinder the effectiveness of these committees. Allen emphasized the need for experienced professionals, particularly in architecture and community development, to ensure the city’s planning efforts are well-informed and effective. He urged the council to reconsider the appointments and highlighted his own qualifications for the planning commission.

Following public comments, the council moved to the city manager's report. The city manager introduced Monica Rubio as the new full-time recreation coordinator, emphasizing her long-standing commitment to the community and her bilingual skills. Rubio expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute further to Calistoga.

The city manager also reported on a successful holiday dinner event that served nearly 100 community members, facilitated by local volunteers and businesses. Additionally, he informed the council about upcoming night work scheduled for early January on Lincoln Avenue, which will coincide with ongoing daytime construction activities.

The meeting concluded with council members expressing their appreciation for the community support during the holiday dinner and acknowledging the importance of the city manager's updates. The council will continue discussions on the proposed appointments in the near future.