TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Steven Lederer, Public Works Director
REPORT BY: Danielle Goshert, County Surveyor
SUBJECT: Resolution to abandon an approximate 2.5-mile portion of Old Howell Mountain Road from the St. Helena city limit to just south of Sulman Lane
RECOMMENDATION
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Adopt a Resolution to abandon an approximate 2.5-mile portion of Old Howell Mountain Road, while retaining a right of way for a public trail and County services; and approve and authorize Management Agreement No. 8700 with Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District to operate the retained public trail easement. (No Fiscal Impact)
(CONTINUED FROM AUGUST 19, 2025)
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BACKGROUND
The subject resolution affects an approximate 2.5-mile portion of Old Howell Mountain Road, being a 66-foot-wide right-of way easement that was accepted as a public road by the County on August 7, 1867. This portion has been closed since damage was incurred during the storms of 2017 and 2023. The abandonment spans the length from the St. Helena city limit at the south end to a location just south of the intersection with Sulman Lane as shown on the exhibit included in the attached resolution. A Resolution of Intent to Abandon was adopted by the Board on July 22, 2025, which set the August 19,2025 hearing, which was subsequently continued to today.
The portion to be abandoned includes electric transmission poles and lines near the northern terminus, therefore in conformance with Streets and Highways Code Section 8340(c), a utility easement is reserved for these in-place public utility facilities. Access to adjoining parcels is not compromised by this abandonment as there are no existing access connections to Old Howell Mountain Road along this segment. Additionally, an easement is reserved for ingress and egress for all Federal, State, and County officials and employees engaged in the performance of their official duties including, but not limited to, maintaining public safety and responding to ...
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