Calistoga council narrows mayoral slate after public outcry over planned committee shake‑up

Public concern over a wide replacement of volunteer advisory members led the Calistoga City Council on Dec. 19 to alter the mayor’s proposed slate of appointments, preserving leadership continuity on panels the council described as critical to upcoming housing implementation.

Dozens of residents attended to object to replacing longtime members on the Planning Commission and Housing Advisory Committee. ‘‘I believe it’s a huge mistake to bring in so many new faces at once,’’ said Doug Allen, urging retention of Tim Wilkes and Laurel Gourd because of their professional experience and institutional knowledge. Other speakers echoed that view, citing the city’s upcoming housing element work and the technical demands of planning reviews.

Mayor Williams defended his approach as an effort to broaden civic participation, saying he considered ‘‘diversity, new perspectives, and fairness’’ when nominating candidates and noting there were 19 applicants for the various openings. After discussion the council approved nominations for several advisory bodies — including the Green Committee, Active Transportation Committee and Mosquito Abatement appointments — by roll call. On the Housing Advisory Committee the council voted 4–1 to nominate Gwen Becker and retain Laurel Gourd. For the Planning Commission the council confirmed Tim Wilkes, Molly Towey and Doug Allen.

Council members who opposed wholesale replacement said continuity matters for technically complex work; those supporting the mayor’s revised approach emphasized recruiting new volunteers and expanding participation in local government. Mayor Williams said staff and incumbents can continue to advise committees whether or not they hold appointed seats.

The council asked staff to manage forthcoming unscheduled vacancies and to ensure public posting of application deadlines. No court or statutory authority was cited as constraining the council’s decisions beyond the municipal appointment process.

The votes on the various committee and commission appointments were taken by roll call; the council approved the green, transportation and mosquito abatement nominations unanimously and approved the housing advisory and planning commission nominations by recorded votes as reflected in council minutes. The council’s decisions conclude the nominations brought forward at this meeting; additional appointments will be processed per city posting requirements.