MINUTES OF OCTOBER 7, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CORTE MADERA TOWN COUNCIL
Meeting video available at: https://youtu.be/dwvzqyT1fi8?si=hUys06g2rKfv7CLY To access a guide on how to activate transcripts for the Town’s video recordings, visit https://www.cortemadera.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10133/How-to-Activate-and-Use-the-Transcript-Feature-onYouTube PUBLIC ATTENDANCE OPTIONS FOR THIS MEETING:
Members of the public had the option to attend the meeting in person, or view and participate in the meeting remotely through the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84104397707 Attendees could also call in using: 1 (408) 638-0968 (Zoom webinar ID: 841 0439 7707) Or iPhone one-tap: +14086380968,,84104397707#
Options for Submitting Public Comment for this meeting:
1. Emailing [email protected] prior to 5:00 PM on the day of the meeting,
2. Attending the meeting in-person at the Town Council Chambers, 300 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera
3. Selecting the “Raise Hand” icon in the Zoom meeting or dialing *9 if calling in to the meeting.
To download the complete agenda packet for this meeting, visit our archive center:
https://www.cortemadera.gov/archive.aspx
1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Mayor Ravasio called the Meeting of the Town Council to order at the Town Council Chambers, 300 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera, CA on October 7, 2025 at 6:35PM.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Ravasio, Vice Mayor Thomas, Councilmembers Andrews, Beckman (Virtual) and Casissa
Councilmembers Absent: None
Staff Present: Town Manager Adam Wolff
Town Attorney Amy Ackerman
Assistant Town Manager Rebecca Vaughn
Interim Director of Public Works Chris Good
Fire Chief Ruben Martin
Chief Building Official Bernie Zipay
Climate Action and Adaptation Coordinator Phoebe Goulden Town Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager Lorena Barrera Councilmember Beckman announced his request for authorized remote attendance for “just cause” due to travel to the Annual League of California Cities Conference where he serves as a voting delegate for the Town of Corte Madera.
As Councilmember Beckman’s request for remote attendance requires Council approval, Mayor Ravasio called for a vote.
Town Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager Lorena Barrera conducted a roll call vote. Mayor Ravasio, Vice Mayor Thomas and Councilmembers Andrews and Casissa all voted in favor of approving Councilmember Beckman’s remote participation for the meeting.
October 7, 2025 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 2
2. OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Ravasio opened up the item for public comment.
Council received public comment from residents of Corte Madera. The comments received via email after publication of the agenda can be found on the Town’s website:
www.cortemadera.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6354
From attendees in person and on Zoom during the meeting, Council received public comment from 1 individual:
• Conor Johnston
Mayor Ravasio closed public comment and moved on to the next item.
3. INTERVIEW OF PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPLICANT
3.A. Interview Daniel Zmak for Consideration for Appointment to Serve the Remainder of a Vacant Term on the Parks and Recreation Commission Set to Expire on June 30, 2027 (Discussion begins at 4:38 / 1:54:45 https://youtu.be/dwvzqyT1fi8?si=EVmSyYqhr3B_Y97o&t=278) The Town Council interviewed Daniel Zmak for consideration for appointment to serve the remainder of a vacant term on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mayor Ravasio explained that the questions for the interview would be read out and that they were the same questions that had been emailed to Daniel the Friday before the meeting. Each question had an assigned time limit and was read out for him to respond to.
The interview questions used for the applicant included:
A. Opening Statement - one minute
This is your opportunity to share a little about yourself, your family, your involvement with any other organizations in town, etc.,
B. Four questions - two minutes each
1. What is it about the Parks and Recreation Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience, and expertise would you bring to this Commission?
2. What is your familiarity with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and what challenges do you see for Corte Madera Parks and Recreation in the next five years? How do you envision those challenges being addressed?
3. Corte Madera has many different types of residents, including, for example, families with young children, retirees with grown children, single people. As a Parks & Recreation commissioner, how would you balance the interests of these different groups?
4. Please describe your strengths and weaknesses as they relate to working with a group or, if applicable, serving as a committee member and how would you describe your problem-solving style and strategies for dealing with difficult situations or decision-making in a public setting.
(Please include the following information in your response:
October 7, 2025 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 3 How would you reconcile your personal opinions and emotions should they conflict with the policies and regulations established by the Town?) C. Commitment Question – Yes or No Answer
Members serve at the pleasure of the Town Council and may be removed at any time by a majority of the Council vote. This Council would like to emphasize that attending meetings is a fundamental part of every member’s duties. Members are expected to attend all regularly scheduled meetings, or a minimum of 75% of meetings per fiscal year.
The Parks and Recreation Commission meets on the 4th Monday of each month, plus occasional special meetings as needed. Meetings begin at 6:30PM, run approximately 2 hours on average and Commissioners are required to attend in person. In addition to regular meeting attendance,
Commission members are expected to read the agenda materials provided (typically posted the Friday prior to the meeting), and come prepared to discuss agenda items. Committee members may also participate in ad-hoc subcommittees that conduct research and/or outreach outside of meeting times.
Considering these expectations, do you feel you are able to commit to the term you applied for on the Parks and Recreation Commission?
D. Closing Statement (Optional) - one minute
Mayor Ravasio opened up the item for public comment.
No public comments were received for this item.
Mayor Ravasio closed public comment. After further deliberation, Mayor Ravasio called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Thomas) to appoint Daniel Zmak to serve the remainder of a vacant term expiring on June 30, 2027.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.A. Presentation of the Town’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy (Discussion begins at 24:28 / 1:54:45 https://youtu.be/dwvzqyT1fi8?si=VmdAVoZXfvxpsk0T&t=1468) Town Manager Adam Wolff provided some introductory comments on the item. Climate Action and Adaptation Coordinator Phoebe Goulden introduced the item and provided a presentation to Council and responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ravasio opened up the item for public comment.
Council received public comment from 1 individual:
• Roy Wolford
October 7, 2025 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 4 Mayor Ravasio closed public comment and thanked Goulden for the presentation.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR:
(Discussion begins at 36:28 / 1:54:45 https://youtu.be/dwvzqyT1fi8?si=69pqe2qcYyz7xUwy&t=2188) Mayor Ravasio asked if there were requests from Council or staff for removal of items from the Consent Calendar. There were no requests from Council to pull items from the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Ravasio asked if there were public comments or requests from the public for removal of items from the Consent Calendar.
There were no requests from members of the public to pull items from the Consent Calendar and no public comments were received.
Mayor Ravasio closed public comment.
Mayor Ravasio called for a motion on the consent calendar.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Thomas) to approve Consent Calendar items 5.A. through 5.B.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
The approved Consent Calendar items consisted of the following:
5.A. Accept the 2024-2025 Preliminary Revenue and Expenditure Report
5.B. Approve Minutes of the September 16, 2025 Town Council Regular Meeting
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6.A. Consideration and Possible Action to 1.) Introduce an Ordinance Amending Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Corte Madera Municipal Code to Adopt by Reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code and Local Amendments Thereto by: Repealing and Reenacting Chapters 15.01, 15.03, 15.05, 15.06, 15.07,
15.08, 15.09, 15.11, 15.13, 15.15, 15.17 , and 15.19, Adopting by Reference and Amending as Noted Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, and 12 of the 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) Incorporating the 2025 California Building Code, Residential Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, Historical Building Code, Existing Building Code, Green Building Standards Code, and Referenced Standards Code; and Creating a New Chapter 15.18, Adopting by Reference the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code; and Finding that Adoption of the Ordinance is Exempt from Environmental Review Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines; and Adopting Findings of Fact Supporting the Amendments to the Codes by title only, and waive further reading of ordinance, and 2.) Schedule a public hearing on the adoption by reference of the 2025 California Building Standards Code, as Proposed, for the Next Regular Meeting of the Town Council on October 21, 2025
(Discussion begins at 37:34 / 1:54:45 https://youtu.be/dwvzqyT1fi8?si=RNBFoy-_uieCHv3Z&t=2254) Chief Building Official Bernie Zipay introduced the item and with the assistance of Climate Action and Adaptation Coordinator Phoebe Goulden, provided a presentation to Council. Town Manager Adam Wolff assisted with responding to questions from Council.
October 7, 2025 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 5 Mayor Ravasio opened up the item for public comment.
No public comments were received from attendees or via email on this item.
Mayor Ravasio closed public comment. Following further deliberation, Mayor Ravasio called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Thomas) to introduce the ordinance as presented.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 4-1 (Andrews opposed) in favor of the motion.
6.B. Consideration and Possible Action to 1.) Introduce an Ordinance Repealing and ReEnacting Chapter 15.02, Adopting the 2025 California Fire Code and 2024 International Fire Code with Amendments Supported by Local Findings, Prescribing Regulations Governing Conditions Hazardous to Life and Property from Fire or Explosion; Providing for the Issuance of Permits for Hazardous Uses or Operations; and Define the Powers and Duties of the Central Marin Fire Authority and Officers; and Finding that Adoption of the Ordinance is Exempt From Environmental Review Pursuant To CEQA Guidelines; and 2.) Schedule a Public Hearing on the Adoption of the Ordinance for the Next Regular Meeting of the Town Council on October 21, 2025
(Discussion begins at 1:07:29 / 1:54:45 https://youtu.be/dwvzqyT1fi8?si=EmYdJMYau5ytlerF&t=4049) Fire Chief Ruben Martin introduced Fire Inspector Chris Geul who sat in the audience. Chief Martin presented the item to Council. Chief Martin responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ravasio opened up the item for public comment.
No public comments were received from attendees or via email on this item.
Mayor Ravasio closed public comment. Following further deliberation, Mayor Ravasio called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Andrews/Thomas) to introduce the ordinance as presented.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
6.C. Consideration and Possible Action to Introduce an Ordinance Amending Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Corte Madera Municipal Code by Repealing and Reenacting Chapter 15.04, Adopting the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland Urban Interface Code and 2024 International Wildland Urban Interface Code, Prescribing Regulations Governing the Mitigation of Hazard to Life and Property from the Intrusion of Fire from Wildfire Exposures, From Adjacent Structures and Prevention of Structure Fires from Spreading to Wildland Fuels in the Town of Corte Madera; Further Providing for the Issuance of Permits and Defining the Powers and Duties of the Central Marin Fire Authority and Officers; Adopting Findings of Facts Supporting the amendments to the Codes; and Finding that Adoption of the Ordinance is Exempt from Environmental Review Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines; and 2.) Schedule a Public Hearing on the Adoption of the Ordinance for the Next Regular Meeting of the Town Council on October 21, 2025
(Discussion begins at 1:19:14 /1:54:45 https://youtu.be/dwvzqyT1fi8?si=bYaYUWK7TqWDQ8xU&t=4754) Fire Chief Ruben Martin introduced and presented the item to Council. Chief Martin responded to questions from Council.
October 7, 2025 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 6 Mayor Ravasio opened up the item for public comment.
No public comments were received from attendees or via email on this item.
Mayor Ravasio closed public comment. Following further deliberation, Mayor Ravasio called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Thomas) to introduce the ordinance as presented.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
7. BUSINESS ITEMS: None
8. TOWN MANAGER AND COUNCIL REPORTS
(Discussion begins at 1:31:39 / 1:54:45 https://youtu.be/dwvzqyT1fi8?si=cYA5t1Gnhse-lqS-&t=5499) Town Manager: Town Manager Adam Wolff provided an update on the Microbusiness Pilot Program. He announced that he would be working with Mayor Ravasio on a letter that would be sent to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) which had an item related to the 101 Overpass Project on their upcoming agenda. He announced that the Intergenerational Center has an expected opening date of June 2026. He also commented on the first Marin ADU fair that was held in the Council Chambers over the weekend. He and others thought it was a successful event.
Town Attorney: Town Attorney Amy Ackerman announced that the California Supreme Court would be holding a hearing on the pension obligation bond subject matter and that a decision can be expected in the next few months.
Town Council Reports:
Mayor Ravasio: She provided an update on the Menke Park project, she mentioned that the Town’s advisory bodies should be working on gathering public input for what they believe might need to be added to the staff work plan next year. She announced the tobacco sale changes that are being made in the county and announced Oktoberfest was taking place over the weekend.
Vice Mayor Thomas: She attended the Corte Madera Chamber of Commerce mixer. She met with the mayor of San Rafael to discuss the topic of an agreement between Central Marin Sanitation Agency (CMSA) and San Rafael Sanitary District which has been mentioned to the SD2 Board before. Thomas also met with Julie Kritzberger of the Chamber of Commerce and she also took a tour of the Paradise Pump Station provided by Deputy District Manager of SD2, Fernanda Stafanick.
Councilmember Andrews: He attended the first Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) meeting, a Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) meeting and a Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) meeting.
Councilmember Beckman: He attended a CMSA ad hoc meeting, MCE Board meeting, CalCities meeting, Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers (MCCMC) meeting, Spirit of Marin awards, SMART train kick-off meeting for the ballot renewal, and is currently at the annual League of California Cities Conference in Ling Beach.
Councilmember Casissa: He attended the Chamber mixer, MCCMC meeting, Spirit of Marin awards, intergenerational Center ad hoc meeting, the Marin ADU fair, a Marin Transit meeting and the Chamber of Commerce Board meeting.
October 7, 2025 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 7
9. DISCUSSION OF DRAFT AGENDA FOR UPCOMING TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
9.A. Review of Draft Agenda for Tuesday, October 21, 2025 Town Council Meeting (Discussion begins at 1:52:49 / 1:54:45 https://youtu.be/dwvzqyT1fi8?si=1TAPZEhg6P43OiC0&t=6769) Councilmember Beckman asked for an item to be added in support of SB 627. There were no additional comments from Council regarding the draft agenda, and no public comment was received from attendees or via email.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ravasio adjourned the meeting at 8:29PM in honor of Dr. Jane Goodall to the next Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.