MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 4, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CORTE MADERA TOWN COUNCIL
Meeting video available at: https://youtu.be/mnQGXC4W59Q?si=ngbo7fCwCdpOHPim 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 November 4, 2025 at 6:31PM.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Ravasio, Vice Mayor Thomas, Councilmembers Andrews, Beckman and Casissa
Councilmembers Absent: None
Staff Present: Town Manager Adam Wolff
Town Attorney Amy Ackerman
Assistant Town Manager Rebecca Vaughn
Town Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager Lorena Barrera
2. OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Ravasio opened up the item for public comment.
From attendees in person and on Zoom during the meeting, Council received public comment from 3 individuals:
• Karen O’Connor
• Linda Brune
• Don Wihlborg
Mayor Ravasio closed public comment and moved on to the next item.
3. INTERVIEW OF ADVISORY BODY APPLICANTS
The Town Council interviewed the applicants for consideration. Mayor Ravasio explained that the questions for each interview would be read out and that they were the same questions that had been emailed the Friday before the meeting. Each question had an assigned time limit and was read out for each applicant to respond to.
Town Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager Lorena Barrera announced that one of the applicants for the Climate Action Committee withdrew her application.
3.A. Interview Kiko Lam Hoskins for Consideration for Appointment to Serve the Remainder of a Vacant Term on the Parks and Recreation Commission Set to Expire on June 30, 2026
(Discussion begins at 10:15 / 1:10:07 https://youtu.be/mnQGXC4W59Q?si=dAcJ1DrlGDJLUer_&t=615) The interview questions used for the Parks and Recreation Commission applicant included:
November 4, 2025 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 2 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:
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 (Beckman/Andrews) to appoint Kiko Lam Hoskins to serve the remainder of a vacant term expiring on June 30, 2026.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
3.B. Interview Brittany Alana-Klipper for Consideration for Appointment to Serve the Remainder of a Vacant Term on the Climate Action Committee Set to Expire on June 30, 2026
(Discussion begins at 20:20 / 1:10:07 https://youtu.be/mnQGXC4W59Q?si=VgE7lLcT3XY9bQ43&t=1220) The interview questions used for the Climate Action Committee applicant included:
November 4, 2025 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 3 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., with the Council B. Four questions - two minutes each
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Climate Action Committee? What priorities or objectives would you hope to advance on the Committee?
2. Please describe the qualities and experience that you would bring to the Committee, including your experience and knowledge related to climate change, sustainability, and/or community outreach.
3. What is your familiarity with the Town’s climate goals, climate action workplan, and/or Climate Action Committee?
4. Please describe your strengths and weaknesses as they relate to being a Committee member (or working in a group) 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:
• 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
The Climate Action Committee meets the third Wednesday of each month from 4:30pm - 6:00pm. Committee members are required to attend in person and are expected to read the agenda packet (typically posted the Friday prior to the meeting) and come prepared to discuss agenda items. Optionally, Committee members may take on research and/or outreach tasks to advance the Committee’s goals outside of meeting times.
Considering these expectations, do you feel you are able to commit to the term you have applied for on the Climate Action Committee?
D. Closing Statement (Optional) - one minute
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. After further deliberation, Mayor Ravasio called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Thomas/Casissa) to appoint Brittany Klipper-Alana (last name was corrected by applicant during the interview) to serve the remainder of a vacant term on the Climate Action Committee set to expire on June 30, 2026.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.A. Presentation Honoring Mural Artist Rachel Hébert, Upon Completion of the New Mural, Sky Whale of Corte Madera, Recently Completed in the Underpass at Wornum Drive and Highway 101
(Discussion begins at 30:28 / 1:10:07 https://youtu.be/mnQGXC4W59Q?si=9Ei0P7iBo21tx8Er&t=1828) Assistant Town Manager Rebecca Vaughn provided a presentation to Council. She then presented a flower gift to Rachel Hébert. Hébert thanked staff and Council and also shared a few words about this project. Council shared a few words and thanked Hébert for her artwork.
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, thanked Hébert and moved on to the next item.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR:
November 4, 2025 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 4 (Discussion begins at 41:22 / 1:10:07 https://youtu.be/mnQGXC4W59Q?si=FHa0wtiqnuTNf_Y2&t=2482) 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.
No public comments were received on the remaining consent calendar items.
Mayor Ravasio closed public comment.
Mayor Ravasio called for a motion on the consent calendar.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Andrews) to approve Consent Calendar items 5.A. through
5.F.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
The approved Consent Calendar items consisted of the following:
5.A. Adopt Resolution No. 41/2025 Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Marin Municipal Water District Regarding Collaboration and Enforcement of Regional Conservation Programs
5.B. Authorize the Interim Director of Public Works to Execute and Record the Notice of Completion for the Central Marin Regional Pathways Gap Closure Project, Project No. 18-001
5.C. Accept the General Fund Revenue and Expense Report for the Period Ending September 2025
5.D. Accept the Quarterly Investment Report for the Period Ending September 30, 2025
5.E. Approve Minutes of the October 21, 2025 Town Council Special Meeting
5.F. Approve Minutes of the October 21, 2025 Town Council Regular Meeting
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6.A. Consideration and Possible Action to Introduce an Ordinance Amending Title 3, Chapter
3.40 (Purchasing System) to Update, Clarify, and Make the Purchasing Process More Efficient By:
Amending Section 3.40.050 to Clarify that the Town Manager May Approve Contracts of Up to $100,000.00; Amending Sections 3.40.135, 3.40.160, and 3.40.170 to Increase the Dollar Amounts for Competitive Bidding Requirements; Amending Section 3.40.130 to Clarify that the Town May Make Purchases Through Public Sector Purchasing Programs and to Enable the Town Council to Waive Competitive Bidding When the Town Council Finds that the Negotiation Would Best Serve the Town’s Interests; Adding a New Section 3.40.145 Implementing a Reduction of Five Percent for Bids for Materials, Supplies, and Equipment for Bids in Compliance with the Town’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy and Section 3.40.185 to Prohibit Bid-Splitting; Repealing Section 3.40.150 – Blanket Purchase Orders; and Making Other Minor Amendments Reflective of the Town’s Current Purchasing Procedures
(Discussion begins at 42:10/1:10:07 https://youtu.be/mnQGXC4W59Q?si=xDOxsjhONRRYNxQV&t=2530) Town Manager Adam Wolff introduced the item and provided a presentation to Council. Wolff 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 (Casissa/Thomas) to introduce the Ordinance as presented.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
November 4, 2025 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 5
7. BUSINESS ITEMS: None
8. TOWN MANAGER AND COUNCIL REPORTS
(Discussion begins at 54:39/1:10:07 https://youtu.be/mnQGXC4W59Q?si=pRKFJThjNP4nSf95&t=3279) Town Manager: Town Manager Adam Wolff briefly reported on the staff Retreat that was held in Mill Valley and stated that a summary of the retreat will be shared with Council. He announced that the Village would be holding a renovation celebration of its refreshed Village experience. He also announced that the lease for the Intergenerational Center has been signed.
Town Council Reports:
Mayor Ravasio: She attended an Intergenerational Center meeting and visiting Menke Park to view the design work in progress.
Vice Mayor Thomas: She attended a Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Councilmember Andrews: He attended a Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) meeting.
Councilmember Beckman: He attended a Central Marin Sanitation agency (CMSA)ad hoc committee meeting.
Councilmember Casissa: He attended an Intergenerational Center meeting, Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers (MCCMC) meeting, the Memorial for Mark Milberg, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Marin Transit meeting, and Ross Valley Paramedic Authority meeting.
9. DISCUSSION OF DRAFT AGENDA FOR UPCOMING TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
9.A. Review of Draft Agenda for Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Town Council Meeting There were no 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 7:41PM in honor and remembrance of Novato Councilmember Mark Milberg to the next Town Council meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.