Mt. St. Helena Golf Course
Now Accepting!
Please submit Request for Proposal by November 16, 2026 to be considered.
The Mt. St. Helena Golf Course in Calistoga, California is a historic public 9-hole golf course that has served local golfers for decades. The course was designed by Jack Fleming and opened in 1952. It consists of seven par-4 holes and two par-3 holes with views of Mt. St. Helena and the Palisades.
Mt. St. Helena Golf Course RFP 9-4-2026.pdf(PDF, 936KB)
Addendums, Additions, Questions:
Update 001 - 9/4/26
Section XVII: Second Optional Site Visit updated to October 4,2026
Update 002 - 9/4/26
Section XVII: Proposal Format and Delivery: Submit one signed original and four (4) copies, plus one searchable electronic PDF on a USB flash drive, unless otherwise agreed in writing by City. Clearly label confidential material; City cannot guarantee confidentiality and will comply with the California Public Records Act and other applicable law. Use the appendices provided. Additional pages may be attached and must be clearly labeled. Identify every requested exception. City is not obligated to infer or accept an unstated deviation.
Question 001 – 9/18/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Who is on the RFP Panel?
A: The panel is confidential until after the RFPs have been scored. This is typical of the RFP process so that no one can influence the panel prior to scoring. All RFPs are open given to the panel on scoring day so that they are confidential until scoring.
Question 002 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: What is the status of the golf irrigation and pump on the grounds:
A: The pump works for the entire property via three separate valves. Reclaimed water can be used in any Fairgrounds area. The pond itself is fed by the City treatment facility near Dunaweal Lane. The golf course has historically been the highest user of reclaimed water for the City and is a key place for the City to disperse. The City storage capacity is much larger than it was in the past. In regards to the pump, a new pump was installed last year, and duplicate pump, for emergencies, is planned for the future.
Question 003 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Is the Golf course required to take the reclaimed water?
A: Yes (the water does not cost). There are times the City must disperse water, fall & spring usually. A golf provider could not use city water to irrigate. There are several businesses around the City that also use the reclaimed water.
Question 004 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: In the winter months, is the golf course soggy with disbursement of reclaimed water?
A: It can be depending on the area. It will be important for the city and operator to develop a relationship regarding times when there must be disbursement of water. The water amounts are in the RFP. There is also other areas, such as the center of the track and great lawn that are kept “lawn green” with water and used for disbursement. Monthly water reports are documented, and the pond level is tracked by the treatment facility.
Question 005 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: How old is the irrigation system?
A: That is unknown as there have been repairs and work done over time, so some are newer and some lines are old. Both fairgrounds maintenance staff along with the current landscape company have been replacing old and/or broken equipment. At this time, it is estimated that 75% of repairs are completed. Additionally, the irrigation pump has a self-shut off ability, which can help identify leaks; A couple irrigation control boxes still need to be fixed. Most boxes are 12 stations; 36 stations is a preference.
Question 006 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: What is the irrigation system used?
A: Rainbird
Question 007 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: What is the material used for the irrigation?
A: We believe that the grounds have seen several types of material used, old types of pipe from over the years, steel, and now it’s mostly PVC.
Question 008 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Where is the hazardous waste located on the golf course property?
A: To the fairground’s knowledge, there is no hazardous waste on the golf course.
Question 009 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Can you give a brief history of the grounds and who maintained the golf course previously?
A: Napa County contracted with the Napa County Fair Association, a nonprofit corporation, to manage the land, buildings, and events at the Fairgrounds, including the Annual County Fair. In 2014, the Napa County Fair Association changed its corporate structure from a 501(c)5 agricultural membership association to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable corporation (DBA Celebrate Napa). This change was made to try and fill the revenue hole created by the loss of annual State funds. This change allowed the Association to raise charitable and other donations to support the Fair’s expenses. The Napa County Fair Association had managed the fairgrounds for many years. They were born in late 1950s as a District Ag Association and ran the fairgrounds property, including the gold course until its closure in 2019. The Mount St. Helena Golf Course represents the largest land use on the Fairgrounds at approximately 36.5 acres, including the reclaimed water pond and pro shop (Tucker Room). A previous report indicated the course was a 2,759 yard 9-hole golf course and had a rating/slope of 65.8/105. In 2015 the golf course generated a net operating income of approximately ($18,822), or ($516)/acre. The City of Calistoga bought the property from Napa County in July 2024 and now maintains the grounds, including the mowing on the course. A previous maintenance worker reported that four full time employees had managed the fairgrounds, including the golf course, and that some employees had been let go in in place of volunteers running the course, due to funding, and then eventually the course was closed in 2019.
Question 010 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Where is the event parking supposed to be as referenced in RFP
A: Two fairways behind the pavilion. Additionally, we are asking for a partnership to accommodate large event parking on the golf course for up to 12 large events per year. We have asked the golf operator to come up with ideas on this.
Question 011 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Can you explain the City Permitted Areas?
A: This question would be better asked in writing with reference to which specific section of the RFP or areas being referred to as “permits”. The question is unclear as stated.
Question 012 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Is there a potential for RV Park to move?
A: There is a current improvement slated to begin for upgrades to the RV Park underground sewer system. As this time, no plan or budget has been identified, addressed or developed to completely relocate the RV Park.
Question 013 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Who is the ultimate governance for decisions above all Fairgrounds operators?
A: As the owner, the City is the governance over the property and works with each lessor on the grounds.
Question 012 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: What is the source of the reclaimed water?
A: The City of Calistoga is a full-service City which manages all sewer and water treatment thereof.
Question 015 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: What is the holding capacity of the Pond?
A: 800,000-900,000 gallons
Question 016 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Which elements of the water system are newer?
A: Per maintenance, the main lines are good. Approximately 150 sprinkler heads have been replaced, there may be 70 more to replace at this time. Most irrigation boxes have been repairs and the pond pump is new.
Question 017 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Was the closure of the golf course related to safety concerns from trees?
A: We have never heard of this reason for closure and have no knowledge of that reason. Most knowledge points to financial reasons for closure. Upon the City’s ownership, Brightview Landscape did two types of tree mitigation, over $60,000 was spent on high-risk trees and over $40,000 on medium risk. A tree arborist was hired for the inspection of all trees.
Question 018 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Is an irrigation/water map available?
See this map: Golf Course Irrigation Map(PDF, 366KB) , however, it is an older map as new sprinklers have been added.
Question 019 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Why are some areas not being irrigated?
A: Those are areas that are still being worked on, due to broken electrical wires, valves, and pipes. As those are found and located, they are being fixed. Some were also cut during the recent City rebuilding of Maxwell Path.
Question 020 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Is there Asbestos in the Tucker Building?
A: Not to the Fairgrounds knowledge, although this could be identified in remodel.
Question 021 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Is there a storage shed available with the Pro-Shop?
A: There is a covered barn area that could be transitioned into a maintenance storage area. There is also the storage area behind bathrooms that was previously used as golf cart storage for 9 carts.
Question 022 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Why is #9 hole not being irrigated?
A: See above Question 019
Question 023 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Is shared parking a requirement?
A: Yes
Question 024 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: What is the capacity of Tucker?
A: The Tucker building is the smallest leasable building on the Fairgrounds at approximately 3,000 square feet. Approximately 1,370 square feet of the building is used as the golf course pro shop, and approximately 1,630 square feet of the building is used as multi-purpose space, “Tucker Room”. Right now, on the Tucker side you can seat 50 people with 60” round tables.
Question 025 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Does the HVAC work?
A: There are two HVAC units, one unit needs work.
Question 026 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Can the promoter offer weddings and other events on the grounds?
A: Yes
Question 027 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: What is the “permit” usage for Tucker Building (this was while viewing the kitchen)?
A: The Tucker building kitchen is not a commercial kitchen as defined by Napa County Environmental Health.
Question 028 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Do any non-profits have a contract restricted to the Tucker Building?
A: All contracts can be moved to another building.
Question 029 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Who maintains the parking lot of the golf course
A: The parking lot is maintained by the City on an as is, where is basis. The operator is not obligated to maintain, however the City will do maintenance when able.
Question 030 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Have any RFPs been submitted for the Speedway yet?
A: No, two walk-thus are scheduled
Question 031 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: What is the age of the golf course buildings?
A: Unknown, but the last remodel is at least 40 years old.
Question 032 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Is there any existing equipment that comes with the golf course?
A: No
Question 033 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Does the creek between putting green and hole 1 fairway ever overflow?
A: Not historically. It’s actually a drainage ditch.
Question 034 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Is there a possibility for a driving range within the Speedway infield?
A: It’s hard to answer this with a pending track agreement. Although this could potentially be considered, safety concerns would need to be addressed and entry into the track is difficult with heavy crash gates and no driving on the track.
Question 035 – 9/18/26 - asked during Site Visit Tour #1
Q: Could the Great Lawn be a driving range?
A: No
Question 036 - 10/1/26
Q: We heard the City and the County were discussing longer term leases than 25 years. Is this a possibility?
A: Yes, Napa County has indicated that it will not exercise its first right of refusal if the City enters into a lease longer than 25 years, up to 50 years, for the golf course.
Question 037 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: Is there a well for the water usage on the grounds?
A: No, the water that is used for golf course watering is the reclaimed water from the City treatment plant.
Question 038 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: How old are the irrigation pipes and are there any “transite” pipe?
A: We do not know if there is transite pipe, but to our knowledge, mostly all of the functional pipe has be transitioned to PVC and some areas may have some steel.
Question 039 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: Is there a requirement for amount of water usage per year?
A: Page 10 of the RFP: Irrigation and Water Management: The operator shall inspect irrigation systems routinely; operate controllers; repair or replace heads, valves, lines and related components; identify leaks; maintain appropriate pressure and coverage; and maintain records of significant repairs. Irrigation shall be scheduled to minimize waste and coordinate with the City's reclaimed-water delivery requirements.
Page 12 -The selected operator shall be obligated to accept and beneficially use no less than 30.2 million gallons and no more than 38.0 million gallons of reclaimed water annually, at a maximum delivery/application rate of 225 gallons per minute (gpm), subject to the City's operating direction, system capabilities, applicable regulatory requirements, weather, turf conditions, and the final reclaimed-water operating protocol. The operator shall actively coordinate irrigation schedules and course operations with City staff so the City can continue this level of reclaimed-water use while maintaining the course in a safe and playable condition. Historical reclaimed-water use at the golf course has averaged approximately 30 million gallons annually over the last 20 years, with a peak annual use of approximately 46.4 million gallons during one year. This historical information is provided to demonstrate the importance and established role of the golf course in the City's reclaimed-water program.
Question 040 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: Does the Pond have to remain in place and would it be subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to change?
A: Yes, the City uses the reclaimed water pond. A pond expansion is a possibility and depending on scope and design it’s possible that it would be subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City for approval.
Question 041 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: How often are there events at the Speedway?
A: The previous contract was a two-year contract that expected three events per year. The Speedway RFP is currently out and asks for no less than three sprint car weekend events, one flat track motorcycle event, and one more motorized event.
Question 042 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: Are there other events scheduled for the Fairgrounds?
A: We estimate 12 large events per year that could need golf course parking.
Question 043 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: Is parking required on the golf course for all events?
A: No, just large events and dependent on event size and needs.
Question 044 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: How many overflow parking spots do you need?
A: This depends on event attendance.
Question 045 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: Will the Golf Course be the exclusive provider for food service on the grounds?
A: No, any event can bring in their own event food and vendors.
Question 046 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: Is there a price point protected green fee for locals vs tourists?
A: Public community meetings have brought up this issue up as locals do intend to use the course. We are hoping the promoter will understand that local use is important, especially during off tourist season and want to provide reasonable use for locals. There is also a local interest in supporting youth teams and interest from RV Park guests.
Question 047 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: How does the RFP address the shared space?
A: Shared space is not exclusive to the operator; you may include in your proposal ideas on how to work within the grounds for different ideas.
Question 048 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: How can the Speedway and the Golf Course operate simultaneously?
A: Safety is very important. In the past, the golf course was closed for use while there were motorized vehicles on the track to protect golf course users from any safety concerns (racing started at 4 PM). This closure was generally during the evening hours.
Question 049 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: Who is responsible for maintenance on the water pump?
A: The City has been responsible for all maintenance and has budgeted for the secondary pump installation as part of the larger sewer treatment plan.
Question 050 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: What is the size of the new pump?
A: The design hasn’t been completed by the engineer yet.
Question 051 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: Is there a requirement for the management of aquatic material in the pond?
A: We are open to ideas; the pond needs aeration and tule mitigation.
Question 052 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: Is the pond lined?
A: No, we believe it is clay bottom.
Question 053 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: Is there a requirement for revenue?
A: There is no set requirement as this is dependent on what the proposal entails. Examples are given in the RFP, such as the current rent for the Pro Shop is $3000 per month. However, if an operator offers a large capital improvement project, or a wish list item, this improvement cost can be evaluated for each proposal. A tiered payment option with lease length up to 50 years can considered for substantial City improvements and because the course needs rehabilitation.
Question 054 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: What are the utility costs?
A: This is hard to judge as the facility has mostly had short term use. However, the current fitness center’s electric bill is an average of $585 (two-month average in summer). The potable water/sewer is not currently separately metered, but we are working on that. Here is the link for the Calistoga water/sewer rates Rates | City of Calistoga, CA .
Question 055 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: Is the Rainbird irrigation system a standalone or a satellite program?
A: It is not a satellite program.
Question 056 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: How many sprinkler heads are there per station?
A: There are currently three to six heads per station. Some sprinkler heads are stainless steel and some are plastic.
Question 057 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: Is there a building plan for the Tucker and Pro Shop building?
A: There is not a building plan done by the City, however you could ask the Napa County Building and Planning as they might have one on record from when it was built.
Question 058 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: What electrical amperage is available to the Tucker and Pro Shop building?
A: 200 amps
Question 059 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: Why is the golf course fenced around the Pro Shop?
A: The 4’ fence was to keep people out while closed and the area identified was the putting green at one time.
Question 060 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: What was the average amount of rounds played per day previously?
A: Unknown, the City did not own the property
Question 061 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: How long is hole 9?
A: Approximately 295 yards.
Question 062 – 10/4/26 – asked during Site Visit Tour #2
Q: Is the CEO house included?
A: No. We will consider proposals that incorporate the home. A standalone three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Calistoga has substantial rental value; however, this home requires rehabilitation. Proposed lease terms that account for the needed rehabilitation, are fair to both parties and meet standard lease requirements will be considered.
Question 063 - 10/7/26
Q: Section V states a lease term of 10 to 25 years including options. Published Question 036 confirms that Napa County will not exercise its right of first refusal where the City enters a lease of up to 50 years for the golf course. Will the City evaluate a proposal that presents a conforming base offer within the 10-to-25-year range together with a clearly labelled conditional alternate at a longer term, or would the inclusion of such an alternate render the proposal non-responsive?
A: The City will consider all terms for up to 50 years.
Question 064 - 10/7/26
Q: Section XIII requests three years of financial statements. Section XV, item 7 requests five. Which governs?
A: Three years is sufficient.
Question 065 - 10/7/26
Q: Section XV requests experience operating golf facilities. Where a proposal is submitted by a team or joint venture, will the City evaluate the operating experience of the entity that would hold the lease, or of the team collectively? Will the City require the lease-holding entity to evidence prior experience operating a golf facility, as distinct from designing, constructing or renovating one?
A: The City will evaluate the experience of the proposed team collectively, including the individuals responsible for golf operations and course maintenance. The lease-holding entity does not need to have performed every function itself; however, the proposal must clearly identify who will perform each function and demonstrate their relevant experience.
Because the course has been closed for several years, rehabilitation and ongoing golf operations require distinct areas of expertise. Experience in design, construction or renovation does not, by itself, demonstrate golf operating experience. Team members with rehabilitation, construction and design experience are highly desired in addition to qualified operating personnel. Please refer to “Relevant Experience and Performance History” and “Key Personnel and Staffing.”
Question 066 - 10/7/26
Q: The RFP directs proposers to assume no City contribution, credit or reimbursement. Will the City confirm that a proposal whose capital plan is contingent on City contribution, City credit against rent, or City reimbursement would be treated as non-responsive?
A: Proposers should not assume City funding, rent credits or reimbursement for rehabilitation or capital improvements, including wish-list items. However, the RFP allows proposers to identify requested contributions, credits or cost-sharing for City consideration. Inclusion of a clearly identified request will not, by itself, render a proposal non-responsive. No such request is guaranteed, and any approved arrangement must be included in the final agreement.
Question 067 - 10/7/26
Q: Does the City require full golf operations to commence by a date certain following the anticipated January 1, 2027 operator commencement, or will the City accept a phased commencement in which public access and non-golf amenities within the leased premises open first while course rehabilitation proceeds? How would base rent commencement relate to each phase?
A: January 1, 2027, is the anticipated operator agreement commencement date, rather than a stated deadline for full golf operations. Proposers should provide realistic rehabilitation and reopening schedule, while caring for the grounds, and clearly identify any proposed phases, including public access and Tucker Building activation. The financial proposal should identify when rent would begin and explain any requested initial ramp-up period or stepped rent. These terms are subject to City review and approval.
Question 068 - 10/7/26
Q: If the City exercises any right to terminate for convenience, will the City consider reimbursement of the operator's unamortised capital investment, and on what basis would that amount be determined?
A: Termination provisions will be addressed in the negotiated agreement. The RFP does not establish a right to reimbursement or a formula for unamortized capital investment. Proposers requesting such protection should identify the proposed terms and calculation method in their Exceptions and Deviations section. Any reimbursement provision would require City approval.
Question 069 - 10/7/26
Q: Published Questions 002, 003, 004 and 015 confirm that reclaimed water is mandatory and provided at no cost, that the City disperses principally in fall and spring, that City potable water may not be used for irrigation, and that pond capacity is approximately 800,000 to 900,000 gallons. So that proposers may correctly size storage and scheduling, will the City provide: (a) anticipated monthly delivery volumes and the maximum delivery rate to the leased area; (b) the City's own monthly disposal obligations; and (c) the terms of any Regional Water Quality Control Board order or permit governing those discharges?
A: Section IX requires the operator to accept and beneficially use 30.2 to 38.0 million gallons annually, at a maximum delivery/application rate of 225 gallons per minute, subject to the operating conditions described in the RFP. Reclaimed water is provided at no charge. Monthly water reports are maintained, and the treatment facility tracks pond levels. Irrigation scheduling must be coordinated with City wastewater operations; the annual requirement does not represent an equal monthly delivery schedule. The Fairgrounds also uses the track infield and Great Lawn for reclaimed-water dispersal. Spring and fall have historically been critical periods for meeting the City’s dispersal needs.
Question 070 - 10/7/26
Q: Regarding the City's planned pond relining, and the wish-list option to expand storage capacity: which party holds responsibility for design, permitting, construction and long-term liability — the City or the operator? Is the relining currently funded and scheduled, and will it be complete before operator commencement?
A: Please see the October 4th walk-through response which states that the pond is believed to have a clay bottom. The supplied RFP and published responses do not identify a funded or scheduled City pond-relining project or establish that any such work will be completed. Expanded or improved storage is an optional wish-list item. Proposers offering this improvement should identify the scope, design, permitting, construction, funding, schedule and ongoing maintenance responsibilities. Final responsibility and liability would be addressed in the agreement. Changes to City-owned reclaimed-water infrastructure require City approval.
Question 071 - 10/7/26
Q: Published Questions 5, 16, 19 and 22 describe repairs approximately 75 percent complete, approximately 150 sprinkler heads replaced with approximately 70 pending, main lines in good condition, a new pond pump, and lines severed during the Maxwell Path rebuild. Will the City coordinate its remaining lateral, head and controller work with the selected operator's irrigation design so that City expenditure is neither duplicated nor stranded? Will the City share its as-built records and invoices for irrigation work completed since July 2024?
A: The City intends to work cooperatively with the selected operator regarding remaining irrigation repairs and proposed improvements, but the operator will take on the repair and management of the golf course area. Proposers should identify which existing components they intend to retain, modify or replace so that remaining work can be coordinated where practical. An older irrigation map is available (see above in answer to Question 18), but it does not reflect all subsequent work. The City has not represented that a complete, current as-built record exists. In order to fully respond to your question, City staff have asked Bright View Landscape for a list of irrigation repairs and hours spent on irrigation for the golf course, but since this was not a requirement of the contract for landscape, it may or may not be received. If received, it will be published here.
Question 072 - 10/7/26
Q: Does the City anticipate CEQA review for restoration of the existing golf use within the existing footprint? If so, which body is lead agency, and which party bears the cost and schedule risk of that review?
A: The supplied documents do not make a determination regarding CEQA review for restoration of the existing golf use. Review requirements will depend on the proposed scope of work. As noted in the October 4 walk-through responses, pond expansion may require CEQA review depending on its scope and design. If you are unsure, it is suggested that you take your suggested scope of work to a planner for review for a determination of CEQA. Proposers should identify anticipated approvals and related assumptions in their rehabilitation plan.
Question 073 - 10/7/26
Q: Published Question 017 describes the City's arborist assessment and its expenditure on high-risk and medium-risk trees. What is the approval process, and the expected timeline, for an operator to remove trees within the leased premises for reasons of safety, turf health, or view restoration?
A: The operator is responsible for routine tree maintenance and cleanup. Major tree removals, work involving potentially hazardous trees, or work requiring specialized assessment require prior City approval and, where appropriate, evaluation or performance by a qualified arborist. Requests should identify the trees proposed for removal and the reasons for removal. Approval for turf health or view restoration should not be assumed. The RFP does not establish a fixed review timeline.
Question 074 - 10/7/26
Q: Do the current clubhouse fitness use, and any third-party parking or shuttle arrangements affecting the leased premises, continue past January 1, 2027? Separately, is the on-site residence included in, or excluded from, the leased premises?
A: The September 18 walk-through response states that existing nonprofit contracts meeting in Tucker can be moved to another building. All Fairgrounds parking agreements must also be accommodated in the proposal. Calistoga Fit’s agreement ends prior to expected commencement of the golf course operator’s agreement, however, could be extended depending on negotiation with the golf course operator.
The on-site residence is not included in the premises offered. However, as stated in the October 4 walk-through response, the City will consider proposals that incorporate the home. The home requires rehabilitation, and proposed terms should account for both the rehabilitation needed and its rental value.
Question 075 - 10/7/26
Q: Does the City have an intended alignment for a public walking or multi-use loop through or around the leased premises? What allocation of liability between the City and the operator does the City envision for public non-golf use within the leased area?
A: The RFP identifies a desired pedestrian or travel connection between the opposite side of the Fairgrounds and the Tucker Building/golf restaurant-bar area. It does not establish an alignment for a public walking or multi-use loop through the course. Proposers may offer concepts addressing public access, accessibility, separation from active golf play and event circulation. Some members of the community may have a desire for a path along the river, but no design or obligation has been made. Any approved route and the allocation of maintenance, insurance and liability responsibilities would be addressed in an agreement.