MINUTES OF DECEMBER 16, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CORTE MADERA TOWN COUNCIL
Meeting video available at: https://youtu.be/34F0aiX3LGo?si=cqW4qYCxjt13Qw-r 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 Thomas called the meeting of the Town Council to order in the Council Chambers, 300 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera, on December 16, 2025 at 6:30PM.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Thomas, Vice Mayor Casissa, Councilmembers Andrews (Virtual), Beckman and Ravasio
Councilmembers Absent: None
Staff Present: Town Manager Adam Wolff
Town Attorney Amy Ackerman
Assistant Town Manager Rebecca Vaughn
Fire Chief Ruben Martin (Virtual)
Community Development Director Amy Lyle
Finance Director Chris Petlock
Parks and Recreation Director Tim Barry
Associate Planner Tracy Hegarty
Climate Action and Adaptation Coordinator Phoebe Goulden Town Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager Lorena Barrera Councilmember Andrews announced his request for authorized remote attendance for “just cause” due to a contagious illness.
As his request for remote attendance requires Council approval, Mayor Thomas called for a vote.
Town Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager Lorena Barrera conducted a roll call vote. Mayor Thomas, Vice Mayor Casissa and Councilmembers Beckman and Ravasio all voted in favor of approving Councilmember Andrew’s remote participation for the meeting.
2. OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period.
Council received a comment via email prior to the start of the meeting. One comment was received during the meeting from Damian Morgan.
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period and moved on to the next item.
3. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATION OF GIFT TO OUTGOING MAYOR PAT RAVASIO Discussion begins at 6:23 https://youtu.be/34F0aiX3LGo?si=qkXt_65G9s2_06LM&t=383 Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period.
No public comments were received from attendees in person or from remote participants.
December 16, 2025 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 2 Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period and presented a recognition to outgoing Mayor Pat Ravasio for her term as Mayor. She thanked her fellow Councilmembers for all of their support and staff for their work.
4. PRESENTATIONS: None
5. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Discussion begins at 7:54 https://youtu.be/34F0aiX3LGo?si=WqQkZijk6j1enunf&t=474 Mayor Thomas 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 Thomas 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 from attendees in person or from remote participants.
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period.
Thomas called for a motion on the consent calendar.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Beckman) to approve Consent Calendar items 5.A. through
5.H.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
The approved Consent Calendar items consisted of the following:
5.A. Accept the Annual Local Appointments List of Expiring Terms on Town Boards, Commissions and Committees During Calendar Year 2026 in Compliance with the Maddy Act (Govt. Code § 54972.)
5.B. Adopt Resolution No. 44/2025 Allowing Three Temporary Signs in the Public Right-ofWay for the Tidalwaves Swim Team from December 17, 2025 to January 30, 2026 Publicizing the Upcoming Tidalwaves Swim Season
5.C. Approve Necessary Funds for Interested Councilmembers to Attend the League of California Cities Mayors and Council Members Academy, January 21-23, 2026, in Sacramento, California
5.D. Waive the Interview Process and Re-appoint Alison Marquiss to Serve on the MarinSonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District for a Four-Year Term Commencing January 1, 2026 and Expiring December 31, 2029
5.E. Acknowledge and File Accounts Payable Warrants for November 2025
5.F. Adopt Resolution No. 45/2025 Establishing Compensation for Part-Time Hourly Employees Effective January 1, 2026
5.G. Adopt Resolution No. 46/2025 Approving a Publicly Available Pay Schedule in Accordance with CalPERS Regulations
5.H. Approve Minutes of the December 2, 2025 Town Council Regular Meeting
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6.A. Consideration and Possible Action to Introduce an Ordinance Amending Title 6 (Health and Sanitation) of the Corte Madera Municipal Code to Amend Chapter 6.10 (Reusable Foodware Ordinance) and Repeal and Reenact Chapter 6.18 (Regulation of Single-Use Carryout Bags) to Align with Senate Bills 1053 and 1046 Discussion begins at 9:03 https://youtu.be/34F0aiX3LGo?si=twebZYDcatbwRPXZ&t=543 Climate Action and Adaptation Coordinator Phoebe Goulden introduced the item and provided a presentation to Council. With the assistance of Town Attorney Amy Ackerman, Goulden responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period.
December 16, 2025 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 3 No public comments were received from attendees in person or from remote participants.
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period. Following further deliberation, Mayor Thomas called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Beckman/Casissa) 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 Adopt Ordinance No. 1054 Adopting the Development Impact Report as the Town’s Nexus Study for the Fire Protection Impact Fee; Adopting Findings Required by the Mitigation Fee Act; and Amending the Corte Madera Municipal Code (CMMC) by Adding Chapter 3.32A (Fire Protection Impact Fee) in Order to Establish and Administer Development Impact Fees for Fire Protection Services on Behalf of the Central Marin Fire Authority
Discussion begins at 26:01 https://youtu.be/34F0aiX3LGo?si=zsIOIbFy_H2fd8cV Community Development Director Amy Lyle introduced the item and with the assistance of Khushboo Ingle of Matrix Consulting Group, provided a presentation with additional fee information to Council as Council had requested at the December 2, 2025 meeting. Together and with the assistance of Fire Chief Ruben Martin, Lyle and Ingle responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period.
No public comments were received from attendees in person or from remote participants.
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period. Following further deliberation, Mayor Thomas called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Ravasio/Casissa) to adopt Ordinance No. 1054 as presented.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
6.C. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt Ordinance No. 1055 to Renew a Fire Impact Fee Urgency Ordinance Previously Adopted on November 18, 2025 to Establish Development Impact Fees for Fire Protection, Including Findings that the Ordinance is Necessary to Resolve a Current and Immediate Threat to the Public Health, Safety, and Welfare Requiring Immediate Implementation of an Urgency Ordinance Discussion begins at 45:43 https://youtu.be/34F0aiX3LGo?si=FVhtF1Znb2eLmIZU&t=2743 Community Development Director Amy Lyle presented the item and responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period.
No public comments were received from attendees in person or from remote participants.
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period. Following further deliberation, Mayor Thomas called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Ravasio) to adopt Ordinance No. 1055 as presented.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
7. BUSINESS ITEMS
7.A. Consideration and Possible Action to 1.) Adopt Resolution No. 47/2025 Approving the Corte Madera Chamber of Commerce 2026 Budget and Approving the Financial Statements (Audit) for the Years Ending December 31, 2023 And December 31, 2024 and 2.) Consider Request for Allocation of Up to $50,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 Expenses and Provide Direction to Staff
Discussion begins at 48:42 https://youtu.be/34F0aiX3LGo?si=CeAqccTt0Omldt5g&t=2922 Community Development Director Amy Lyle presented the item to Council. The Corte Madera Chamber of Commerce’s outgoing and incoming presidents presented the letter from the Chamber and provided a few words in regards to their request to the Town. Town Manager Adam Wolff, Town Attorney Amy Ackerman added to the presentation of the item. Together and with the assistance of the Chamber Members and the Chamber’s Executive Director, Julie Kritzberger, staff responded to questions from Council.
December 16, 2025 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 4 Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period.
Council received comments during the meeting from the following individuals:
• Pati Stoliar
• Marla Orth
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period. Following further deliberation, Mayor Thomas called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Beckman/Casissa) to adopt Resolution No. 47/2025.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 4-1 (Ravasio opposed) in favor of the motion.
Mayor Thomas continued with the second portion of the item and Council continued to deliberate on the request from staff.
Mayor Thomas re-opened the public comment period.
Council received comments during the meeting from the following individuals:
• Anita Bock
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period. Following further deliberation, Council directed staff to bring back a new resolution, similar to Resolution No. 07/2025 previously adopted by Council, for Council consideration and possible adoption at a future Council meeting.
7.B. Consideration and Possible Action to Authorize the Director of Parks and Recreation to Approve the Redesign and Contract Documents and to Award a Construction Contract to Gametime, A Playcore Company, in an Amount Not to Exceed $335,000 for the Town Park School-Age Playground Project
Discussion begins at 1:59:36 https://youtu.be/34F0aiX3LGo?si=8qSOGHamw4-G4Mby&t=7176 Parks and Recreation Director Tim Barry introduced the item and provided a presentation to Council. Barry responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period.
Council received comments during the meeting from the following individuals:
• Pati Stoliar
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period. Following further deliberation, Mayor Thomas called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Ravasio/Casissa) to approve the item as requested.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
7.C. Discussion and Review of the 2025 Work Plan
Discussion begins at 2:14:09 https://youtu.be/34F0aiX3LGo?si=NbZ7RBViVQrkUPA-&t=8049 Town Manager Adam Wolff introduced and presented the item and responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period.
No public comments were received from attendees in person or from remote participants.
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period. After further discussion, Council thanked Wolff for the presentation of the item. Mayor Thomas moved on to the next item.
7.D. Discussion and Possible Action by the Mayor to Appoint Councilmembers, Town Staff and Community Members to Serve on Joint Powers Authority Boards, Standing Committees and as Liaisons to Town Advisory Bodies for the Calendar Year 2026 Discussion begins at 2:26:29 https://youtu.be/34F0aiX3LGo?si=ICZtRa45580xeWTk&t=8789 December 16, 2025 Corte Madera Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 5 Town Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager Lorena Barrera introduced and presented the item stating that it is an annual activity undertaken by the Council each time it reorganizes and that new Council appointments are made for the upcoming year.
Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period.
No public comments were received from attendees in person or from remote participants.
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period and proceeded with appointment changes
8. TOWN MANAGER AND COUNCIL REPORTS
Discussion begins at 2:38:15 https://youtu.be/34F0aiX3LGo?si=DX3dbkmjcpMIK8ZQ&t=9495 Town Manager: Town Manager Adam Wolff announced the holiday closure for Town Hall and that he would be out of the office beginning Friday. He also announced that he attended the League of California Cities Municipal Finance Institute.
Town Council Reports:
Mayor Thomas: She attended the Town Band Holiday Concert, Chamber of Commerce Holiday Mixer, served as a juror for the Painted Bins Art Competition, attended the County-wide prioritysetting meeting and the ribbon-cutting for Face Foundrie at Town Center.
Vice Mayor Casissa: He attended the Chamber Mixer, Ross Valley Paramedic Authority (RVPA) Board meeting, and a Marin Transit meeting.
Councilmember Andrews: No report was provided.
Councilmember Beckman: He attended Central Marin Sanitation Agency (CMSA) Board meeting, CalCities Retreat, MCE Holiday party and a menorah lighting.
Councilmember Ravasio: She attended a Marin Healthy Youth meeting.
9. DISCUSSION OF DRAFT AGENDA FOR UPCOMING TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
9.A. Review of Draft Agenda for Tuesday, January 6, 2026 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 Thomas adjourned the meeting at 9:18PM to the next Town Council meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.