The Napa County Board of Supervisors convened on November 18, 2025, with all members present. Chair Anne Cottrell, along with Animal Shelter Supervisor Luis Ambriz, introduced the “Pet of the Week,” featuring Binx, a young domestic short-haired cat available for adoption with waived fees this week.
A proclamation was presented by Chair Cottrell recognizing November as National Adoption Awareness Month in Napa County to Lauren Harris and her team from Health & Human Services Child Welfare Services.
The Board approved several agreements and initiatives during the meeting. These included an amendment to support Visit Napa Valley in developing The Napa Valley Standard Food & Wine Festival. The event aims to attract visitors during the off-peak season and bolster tourism in unincorporated areas.
A District 5 community grant was approved to benefit the American Canyon High School Theatre Arts program, providing students with hands-on experience in theater and supporting local arts. Additionally, funds were allocated for holiday open house events in Districts 1, 3, and 5 to foster engagement between residents and their supervisors while highlighting nonprofits and food drives.
An agreement was reached to enhance communication between Napa Central Dispatch and CAL FIRE’s St. Helena Emergency Command Center for improved emergency response coordination. The Board also accepted an emergency access easement near Las Posadas State Forest through collaboration with the Napa County Land Trust.
To support public health efforts, a revenue agreement was secured with the California Department of Public Health for tobacco prevention work. This will fund education programs, smoking cessation services, and evaluation of local control measures.
In housing matters, $2 million from the Affordable Housing Fund was reserved for building 40 affordable homes at the former Health & Human Services campus aimed at first-time homebuyers from low-income or farmworker backgrounds.
Library operations were consolidated under a new division within the County Library Fund to oversee the Law Library’s management and funding. A $60,000 donation from Friends of the Napa Library was also accepted to improve community services.
The Board expressed intent to adopt updates aligning local building codes with state standards and scheduled a public hearing on December 9 regarding these changes.
Long-term plans for Lake Berryessa moved forward as agreements were made for environmental studies related to a resort concession at Monticello Shores and continued operation of Spanish Flat resort area by Spanish Flat Campground Inc., ensuring ongoing public access during planning phases.
Plans for facility upgrades at Behavioral Health Treatment Center and office improvements at 555 Gateway Drive advanced as specifications were approved for bid solicitation. The Airport Advisory Commission Bylaws were updated for clarity on membership qualifications and procedural alignment with county policies.
Presentations addressed estate tasting event regulations under Assembly Bill 720; staff will return next month with recommendations based on Board direction. Concerns about aircraft noise prompted approval of expanded environmental review related to flight approach procedures at Napa County Airport.
The Board reviewed an ordinance proposal that would synchronize elections for several countywide offices with presidential election cycles; intent to adopt this change was affirmed.
During its afternoon session, county employees received recognition awards as part of Employee Appreciation Week. Awards honored individuals demonstrating outstanding commitment impacting both county operations and residents’ well-being.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for December 9 at 9 am.
