MINUTES OF JUNE 18, 2024
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CORTE MADERA TOWN COUNCIL
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1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Mayor Beckman called the Meeting of the Town Council to order at the Town Council Chambers, 300 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera, CA on June 18, 2024 at 6:30PM.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Beckman, Vice Mayor Ravasio, Councilmembers Casissa, Lee and Thomas
Councilmembers Absent: None
Staff Present: Town Manager Adam Wolff
Town Attorney Amy Ackerman
Assistant Town Manager Rebecca Vaughn
Finance Director Daria Carrillo
Community Development Director Amy Lyle
Public Works Director R.J. Suokko
Chief Building Official Bernie Zipay
Senior Planner Phil Boyle
Associate Planner Tracy Hegarty
Climate Action and Adaptation Coordinator Phoebe Goulden Senior Accountant Stacie Charlebois
Town Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager Lorena Barrera
2. OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Beckman opened up the item for public comment.
Council received public comment from 3 individuals:
• Nnenna Okoye
• Arthur Young
• Tiffany O’Hara
Mayor Beckman closed public comment and moved on to the next item.
3. PRESENTATIONS
3.A. Presentation of Commendation to Julie Kritzberger for Service to Corte Madera, in Commemoration of Achieving the Milestone of 30 Years as Executive Director of the Corte Madera Chamber of Commerce
Mayor Beckman read out the proclamation into the record. Council provided comments of thanks and appreciation.
June 18, 2024 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 2
3.B. Presentation of Corte Madera Citizen of the Year and Business Citizen of the Year Awards:
•Citizen of the Year Award will be presented to: Saeed "Tony" Farahmand, Longtime Corte Madera resident and owner of Café Verde
• Business Citizen of the Year Award will be presented to: Paige Ziegler, Marketing and Promotions Manager for Marin Luxury Cars
Mayor Beckman presented the awards and thanked each recipient for their contributions to the Town.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Beckman asked if there were public comments or requests from the public for removal of items from the Consent Calendar.
Item 4.K.1 was pulled from the consent.
Vice Mayor Ravasio announced that she would need to recuse herself from voting on item 4.L.
There were no requests from members of public to pull any additional items from the Consent Calendar.
Council received public comment from 2 individuals for item 4.H.:
• Cheryl Longinotti
• David MacPherson
Mayor Beckman closed public comment.
Mayor Beckman called for a vote on the remaining items of the Consent Calendar.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Lee/Casissa) to approve Consent Calendar items 4.A. – 4.J., 4.K.A2, 4K.A3, 4K.B, and 4.M.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
The approved Consent Calendar items consisted of the following:
4.A. Adopt Proclamation in Support of Parks Make Life Better Month – July 2024
4.B. Accept Accounts Payable Warrants for May 2024
4.C. Accept Revenue and Expenditure Report for May 2024
4.D. Approve Cancelation of July 2, 2024, August 6, 2024 and September 3, 2024 Regular Town Council Meetings
4.E. Adopt Resolution No. 20/2024 Amending Resolution No. 42/2020 Repealing the Sunset Date and Modifying the Committee Member Appointment Process to Provide for a Youth Member for the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)
4.F. Accept the Central Marin Police Authority 2023 Traffic and Crime Statistics Report
4.G. Adopt Resolution No. 21/2024 Establishing the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2024- 2025
4.H. Adopt Resolution No. 22/2024 Affirming its Support for the Southern Segment of the North-South Greenway Gap Closure Project
4.I. Authorize the Director of Public Works to Approve the Plans and Contract Documents, Authorize the Advertisement for Bids and Award a Construction Contract to the Lowest Responsible and Responsive Bidder for a Not-to-Exceed Base Bid Amount of $350,000 Plus an Additional 10% Contingency for the Town Park Pickleball Court Project, Project No. 24-005
4.J. Authorize the Director of Public Works to Approve the Plans and Contract Documents, Authorize the Advertisement for Bids, Award a Construction Contract to the Lowest Responsible and Responsive Bidder for the Base Bid Amount, Not-to-Exceed $200,000 Plus a 10% Contingency, and Adopt Resolution No. 23/2024 and No. 24/2024 to Authorize Two Easement Deeds for the 170 Summit Drive Roadway Stabilization Project, No. 23-004
June 18, 2024 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 3
4.K. A.) Waive the Interview Process and Make the Following Appointments for Two-Year Terms Commencing July 1, 2024 and Expiring June 30, 2026: (1) Re-Appoint Nathan Blomgren and Sachi Itagaki to the Flood Control Board; (2) Re-Appoint Karen Gerbosi, Jean Greenbaum and Karl Spurzem to the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee; (3) Appoint Justin Reid and Vanitha Sampath and Re-Appoint David Johnson to the Climate Action Committee; and B.) Waive the Interview Process and Appoint Claudia Wilson to Represent the Town of Corte Madera on the Marin County Commission on Aging to Serve the Remainder of a Three-Year Term that Commenced July 1, 2023 and Expires June 30, 2026
4.M. Approve Minutes of the June 4, 2024 Town Council Regular Meeting Mayor Beckman proceeded with item 4.L. Vice Mayor Ravasio recused herself from this item as a family member (Bob Ravasio) applied to be considered for re-appointment.
4.L. Waive the Interview Process and Make the Following Appointments to the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) for Two-Year Terms Commencing July 1, 2024 and Expiring June 30, 2026: Appoint Henry Faust and Re-appoint Bob Ravasio and Cheryl Longinotti
Mayor Beckman opened up the item for public comment.
No public comments were received from attendees or via email on this item.
Mayor Beckman closed public comment.
Mayor Beckman called for a vote on item 4.L.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Lee) to approve Consent Calendar item 4.L.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 4-0-1 (Ravasio recused) in favor of the motion.
Mayor Beckman returned to Consent Calendar item 4.K.A1
4.K. A.) Waive the Interview Process and Make the Following Appointments for Two-Year Terms Commencing July 1, 2024 and Expiring June 30, 2026: (1) Re-Appoint Nathan Blomgren and Sachi Itagaki to the Flood Control Board;
Town Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager Lorena Barrera presented the item and provided an explanation to Council on the recruitment process for advisory bodies including details on how the recruitment is advertised and how deadlines are set and used. Barrera explained that two incumbents with expiring terms, Nathan Blomgren and Sachi Itagaki, had submitted applications to be considered for re-appointment. Ramon Garcia did not re-apply. She added that staff received an application from a new applicant, Sally Aaron. However, the application was received six weeks after the closure of the recruitment period. Barrera also explained that while there is an ability to have between five to seven members on the FCB, for consistency and fairness in the appointment process, staff was recommending that Council accept the applications that were received within the recruitment period as the FCB would have a full body of five (5) which is the preference from staff.
Council proceeded with questions that were answered by Barrera, Town Manager Adam Wolff and Town Attorney Amy Ackerman.
Mayor Beckman opened up the item for public comment.
Council received public comment from 27 individuals:
• Sally Aaron
• Kenton Wolfers
• Margot Whitney
• Trevor McCaw
• Pamela Lister
• Heidi Queen
• Kim Berry
• Mary Connolly
• Christine Comaford
June 18, 2024 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 4 • Eric Svenson
• Lesley Sims
• Michael and Gwendolyn Oldham
• Carolyn Svenson
• Jeanne Vecchiola Asdourian
• Christian Skegrud
• Paul Preston
• Jan Cummins
• Steve Frappier
• Sue Smith
• Adriana Asdourian
• Justin Asdourian
• Matt Pecevich
• Catherine Wolfers
• Wendy Aronson
• Ann Cameron
• Christian Skegrud
Mayor Beckman closed public comment. Council discussed the recommendation by staff and after further deliberation, directed staff to reopen recruitment for the Flood Control Board and accept the staff recommendation. Council stated that staff could have discretion and make the recruitment period similar in length to the annual recruitment period.
Mayor Beckman called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Beckman) to re-appoint Nathan Blomgren and Sachi Itagaki to the Flood Control Board and to re-open the recruitment period for the Flood Control Board.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
5.A. Consideration and Possible Adoption of Resolution No. 25/2024 Approving the Base Rate Change Application of Mill Valley Refuse Services, Inc. to Enable a Fair Rate of Return as Required Under the Existing Franchise Agreement by Increasing by 7.39% the Current Maximum Rates that May be Charged for Delivery of Solid Waste Collection and Dual-Stream Recycling Services with Rates and Terms and Conditions Effective July 1, 2024
Assistant Town Manager Rebecca Vaughn introduced the item and presented the staff report.
Vaughn then proceeded to introduce Jim Howison of R3 Consulting and Gene Della Zoppa of Mill Valley Refuse Service (MVRS). Assistant Town Manager Rebecca Vaughn, G ene Della Zoppa and Jim Howison answered questions from Council.
Mayor Beckman opened up the item for public comment.
Council received public comment from 3 individuals:
• Tiffany O’Hara
• Kenton Wolfers
• Margaret Bandel
Mayor Beckman closed public comment. Following further deliberation, Mayor Beckman called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Thomas/Ravasio) to adopt Resolution No. 25/2024.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
5.B. First Reading and Possible Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Title 18 (Zoning) of the Corte Madera Municipal Code (CMMC) to Clarify and Simplify Design Review and Zoning Regulations
Senior Planner Phil Boyle and Associate Planner Tracy Hegarty presented the item to Council.
Staff answered questions from Council.
Mayor Beckman opened up the item for public comment.
June 18, 2024 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 5 Council received public comment from 1 individual:
• David MacPherson
Mayor Beckman closed public comment. Following further deliberation, Mayor Beckman called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Ravasio/Lee) to introduce the Ordinance as presented.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
Mayor Beckman announced that items 5.C. and 5.D. would be combined as they are related to each other.
5.C. First Reading and Possible Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Corte Madera Municipal Code (CMMC) by Repealing Chapter
15.25 (All-Electric Construction in Newly-Constructed Buildings) in its Entirety
5.D. First Reading and Possible Introduction of an Ordinance Finding that Adoption of the Ordinance is Exempt from Environmental Review Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines; Amending Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Corte Madera Municipal Code by Repealing the Existing Chapter 15.08 (Energy Code) and Adopting a New Chapter 15.08 Amending the 2022 California Energy Code to Require Higher Energy Performance for Certain Single Family Projects; and by Repealing the Existing Chapter 15.13 (Green Building Standards Code) and Adopting a New Chapter 15.13 Amending the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code to Require Enhanced Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in New Construction and Certain Additions and Alterations; and Adopting Findings of Fact Supporting the Amendments to the Codes Climate Action and Adaptation Coordinator Phoebe Goulden introduced the items and presented the staff reports with the assistance of Chief Building Official Bernie Zipay. Staff answered questions from Council.
A short recess was taken at 9:28PM
Council reconvened at 9:34PM
Due to reaching the hour of 9:30PM, Mayor Beckman called for a motion to extend the meeting.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Ravasio) to extend the meeting to 10:00PM.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
Mayor Beckman opened up the item for public comment.
Council received public comment from 3 individuals:
• David Moller
• Roy Wolford
• David MacPherson
Mayor Beckman closed public comment. Following further deliberation, Mayor Beckman called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Lee/Thomas) to introduce the Ordinances as presented for item 5.C. and
5.D.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
5.E. Consideration and Possible Adoption of Resolution No. 26/2024 Approving the Town Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (This is a two-meeting item, introduced on June 4, 2024)
Finance Director Daria Carrillo introduced the item and presented the staff report and with the assistance of Town Manager Adam Wolff, answered questions from Council.
Due to reaching the hour of 10:00PM, Mayor Beckman called for a motion to extend the meeting.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Lee) to extend the meeting to 10:30PM.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
June 18, 2024 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 6 Mayor Beckman opened up the item for public comment.
Council received public comment from 1 individual:
• Tiffany O’Hara
Mayor Beckman closed public comment. Following further deliberation, Mayor Beckman called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Thomas) to adopt Resolution No. 26/2024.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
6. BUSINESS ITEMS: None
7. TOWN MANAGER AND COUNCIL REPORTS
Town Manager: No report was provided.
Town Council Reports:
Mayor Beckman: He attended the League of California Cities Executive Committee meeting and the Central Marin Sanitation Agency (CMSA) regular board meeting.
Vice Mayor Ravasio: No report was provided.
Councilmember Casissa: He attended the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority (RVPA) board meeting, the grand opening of the Marin Emergency Command Center, the Police Council meeting, and grand opening of Homeward Bound.
Councilmember Lee: He attended the Police and Fire Council meetings.
Councilmember Thomas: She attended the Marin Healthy Youth Coalition meeting and Fire Council meeting.
8. DISCUSSION OF DRAFT AGENDA FOR UPCOMING TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
8.A. Review of Draft Agenda for Tuesday, July 16, 2024 Town Council Meeting There were no comments from Council regarding the draft agenda, and no public comment was received from attendees or via email.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Beckman adjourned the meeting at 10:07PM to the next Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.