Mr. Mayor and City Council Members

As the developer of the Napa Logistics Park, I feel it is important for city council to understand that your City Manager, Jason Holley, has been and continues to be grossly incompetent. I have had the displeasure of dealing with Jason since 2014 when he was the Public Works Director until today. Over the years developing Napa Logistics Park, I have enjoyed working with city staff, including the revolving door of Public Works employees. The only times I have had trouble working with the city is when Jason Holley would get directly involved. Jason has repeatedly proven that he can not be trusted. Jason rarely follows through with what he says, and he says things that are not true. I have witnessed him provide incorrect advice to council. There is not one time that Jason accomplished his responsibilities in the time frames that he self-imposed. This resulted in substantial delays and in some cases, remain undone. Most recently, we have attempted to have the city acknowledge its responsibility to ensure other developers reimburse us for costs to construct the Permanent Sewer Solution. Jason Holley has stated that certain parties need not pay or should pay amounts substantially less than required. The other developers agree that the city advised them of amounts that were incorrectly calculated and have publicly stated to city council they are willing to pay their true fair share. However, Jason Holley continues to deny the city made any mistakes and he refuses to abide by several agreements to appropriately collect and pay the reimbursements. Unfortunately, we are now left with having to file a lawsuit against the city. The lawsuit could subject the city to several millions of dollars in liability. This is due to Jason Holley’s decision to deny all our claims and his refusal to talk to us. The city needs better representation of its interests, and it is long overdue for city council to make that change. As a part of the councils’ performance review of Jason Holley, the council should not just consider my words here but reach out to other developers in the city. They have all shared the same concerns, frustrations and unnecessary costs of dealing with Jason Holley. The city can do much better and it is time for city council to step up and make the bold change for the betterment of the City of American Canyon.

Ernie Knodel
Orchard Partners LLC