MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CORTE MADERA TOWN COUNCIL
Meeting video available at: https://youtu.be/k7Ub6TVDbrk?si=lyxvU5YIQDFMe3xH 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 September 1, 2026 at 6:44 PM. Following roll call, Mayor Thomas read a meeting conduct statement regarding discriminatory or disruptive conduct and applicable civil rights and Penal Code provisions.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Thomas, Vice Mayor Casissa, Councilmembers Andrews, Beckman, and Ravasio
Councilmembers Absent: None
Staff Present: Town Manager Adam Wolff
Town Attorney Richard Pio Roda
Assistant Town Manager Rebecca Vaughn
Community Development Director Amy Lyle
Public Works Director Chris Good
Deputy Sanitary District Manager Fernanda Stefanick
Finance Director Chris Petlock
Town Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager Lorena Barrera
2. OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Thomas announced that due to the number of meeting attendees, each person wishing to speak would be given two minutes to speak on any item not on the agenda.
Discussion begins at 00:02:20 https://youtu.be/k7Ub6TVDbrk?si=IoIyDEhksiaFbNwJ&t=133 Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period.
Prior to the start of the meeting, Council received comments via email. During the meeting, comments were received from the following individuals:
• Brenda Brown
• Bonnie Brown
• Judith Creasy
• Lucinda Smith
• Tracy Lauterman
• Debra Gallegos
• Peter Hensel
• Mary Kayser
• David Macpherson
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period and continued with the agenda.
3. PRESENTATIONS: None
4. CONSENT CALENDAR:
September 1, 2026 Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 2 Discussion begins at 00:21:40 (https://youtu.be/k7Ub6TVDbrk?si=B7Yhbpsvg7Cs6inI&t=1300 ) Mayor Thomas asked if there were requests from Council or staff for removal of items from the Consent Calendar. No requests were received.
Mayor Thomas asked if there were public comments or requests from the public for removal of items from the consent calendar. A request was received from a member of the public. • Alden Miles requested to remove items 4f, 4h, and 4i from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion.
No public comments were received for the remaining consent calendar items.
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment and asked for a motion on the balance of the Consent Calendar.
The approved Consent Calendar items consisted of the following items:
4.A. Adopt Resolution No. 33/2026, Amending, Adopting and Promulgating a Conflict-of-Interest Code for the Town of Corte Madera and Sanitary District No. 2 of Marin County, a Subsidiary District to the Town of Corte Madera
4.B. Accept Quarterly Investment Report for Period Ending June 30, 2026
4.C. Acknowledge and File Disbursements for July 2026
4.D. Adopt Resolution No. 34/2026 Allowing Five Temporary Signs in the Public Right-of-Way from September 2, 2026, to October 12, 2026, Publicizing the Corte Madera Oktoberfest Scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026; and Allowing Two Temporary Signs in the Public Right-of-Way from September 2, 2026, to September 21, 2026, Publicizing the Grand ReOpening of Menke Park and Ice Cream Social Event Scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026
4.E. Authorize the Public Works Director to Issue a Permit for Grading and Drainage at 240 Tamal Vista Boulevard
4.G. Approve Minutes of August 4, 2026 Town Council Regular Meeting Council then considered Items 4.F., 4.H., and 4.I. together. Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period.
Public Comment was received from:
• David Macpherson
• Matt Kaufmann
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period. Councilmember Beckman discussed a separate request to consider enhanced confidential record keeping of closed session discussions at a future meeting. Vice Mayor Casissa asked whether the minutes presented for approval complied with applicable legal requirements. Town Attorney Pio Roda advised that the minutes complied with the Town’s current Rules of Procedure and applicable law and explained that Council could separately consider additional confidential closed-session recordkeeping requirements in the future.
Councilmember Ravasio clarified that the comments reflected in the August 4 minutes regarding her recusal were made with the Town Attorney’s authorization in connection with her recusal.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Andrews/Beckman) to approve Consent Calendar items 4.F., 4.H., and
4.I.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
The Consent Calendar items 4.F., 4.H. and 4.I consisted of the following:
4.F. Approve Minutes of August 4, 2026 Town Council Closed Session Special Meeting
4.H. Approve Minutes of August 11, 2026 Town Council Closed Session Special Meeting
4.I. Approve Minutes of August 20, 2026 Town Council Closed Session Special Meeting
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
5.A. Consideration and Possible Introduction of an Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Chapter 5.06 of the Corte Madera Municipal Code to End the Sale of Tobacco and September 1, 2026 Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 3 Nicotine Products by Businesses in Corte Madera, Repealing Chapter 5.07 Upon the Operative Date of the End of Sales, and Making Related Findings Discussion begins at 00:30:53 (https://youtu.be/k7Ub6TVDbrk?si=ApeitAG36JBcvI4T&t=1853) Assistant Town Manager Rebecca Vaughn introduced the item and provided a presentation regarding the revised tobacco and nicotine end of sales ordinance. Vaughn reviewed revisions made in response to Council direction provided at the August 4, 2026 meeting, including extending the transition period for existing retailers through January 31, 2027, and changing the reference to cessation products from “FDA authorized” to “FDA approved”, and explained the differences between ordinance versions 1A and 1B. Town Manager Adam Wolff assisted Vaughn with responding to questions from Council.
Mayor Thomas opened the public hearing.
Prior to the start of the meeting, Council received comments via email. During the meeting, Council received comments from the following individuals:
• John Maa
• Mari Silva
• John Watson
• Max Morozoff
• Roberta Anthes
• Jeremiah Mock
• Bryan Lam
• Pamela Granger
• Hailey Hodges
• David Macpherson
• George Miller
• Peter Mausick
• Monte Walia
• Matt Fegley
• Bob Curry
Mayor Thomas closed the public hearing and brought the item back to Council for deliberation.
Council discussed the proposed ordinance options, including public health considerations, impacts on local retailers, and the proposed prohibition on the sale of tobacco and nicotine products.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Beckman/Ravasio) to introduce Version 1B of the ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 5.06 of the Corte Madera Municipal Code to end the sale of tobacco and nicotine products by businesses in Corte Madera, repealing Chapter 5.07 upon the operative date of the end of sales, and making related findings.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 3-2 (Opposed: Andrews and Thomas) in favor of the motion.
Before beginning consideration the Business Items, Mayor Thomas announced (https://youtu.be/k7Ub6TVDbrk?si=Zhm6KAyKAjmNF3O6&t=4825) that the order of Business Items would be modified to consider Items 6.A., 6.C., 6.D., and 6.B. before proceeding with the remaining Business Items.
6. BUSINESS ITEMS
6.A. Receive the Presentation of the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Provided by the Committee Chair Christopher McBride)
Discussion begins at 01:21:40 (https://youtu.be/k7Ub6TVDbrk?si=vZehKOTkJkUqoMW7&t=4899) Finance Director Chris Petlock advised Council that the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee Chair, who was scheduled to present the annual report, was not in attendance and requested that the item be continued.
By consensus, Council continued the item to the next regular meeting. No action was taken.
September 1, 2026 Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 4
6.C. Receive Report Regarding AI-Based Traffic Signal Optimization Technology and Provide Direction to Staff if Further Action is Needed
Discussion begins at 01:22:50 (https://youtu.be/k7Ub6TVDbrk?si=tSU4R5aQJaAmJCc6&t=4969 ) Public Works Director Chris Good introduced and presented the item to Council (presentation available here),regarding AI-based traffic signal optimization technology, including potential operational and safety benefits, estimated implementation and licensing costs, and the results of an analysis conducted at two Town intersections. Good explained that staff is also evaluating modifications to existing signal phasing that may improve traffic flow without implementation of the AI technology. Based on the anticipated costs and level of benefit identified, staff did not recommend implementation of an AI-based system at this time.
Council discussed the potential traffic benefits, costs, and privacy considerations associated with the technology.
Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period.
Council received comments from the following individual:
• Pati Stoliar
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period. After further deliberation, Council concurred with staff's recommendation not to pursue implementation at this time and supported continuing to monitor the technology for possible future reconsideration as conditions and technology evolve. No formal action was taken.
6.D. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt Resolution No. 36/2026 Approving an Adjustment to the Associate Civil Engineer Classification Salary Range by 8%, Increasing the Top Step from $11,565 to $12,489 per Month (This is a two-meeting item, introduced on August 4, 2026)
Discussion begins at 01:33:00 (https://youtu.be/k7Ub6TVDbrk?si=sgUFoN8SlMhzsE1W&t=5558) Public Works Director Chris Good introduced and presented the item to Council and noted that this was the second meeting of the two-meeting process. Good reviewed the proposed 8% adjustment to the Associate Civil Engineer salary range, increasing the top monthly salary from $11,565 to $12,489, and clarified salary figures contained in the revised staff report. Good explained that the adjustment was intended to improve the Town's market competitiveness and ability to recruit and retain experienced engineering professionals.
Good responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period. No public comments were received from attendees or via email.
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period and called for a motion.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Andrews) to adopt Resolution No. 36/2026 approving an 8% adjustment to the Associate Civil Engineer classification salary range, increasing the top step from $11,565 to $12,489 per month.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
6.B. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt Resolution No. 35/2026 Approving a New Franchise Agreement Between the Town of Corte Madera and Mill Valley Refuse Service for Solid Waste Collection Services Beginning January 1, 2027 Through December 31, 2041 and Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute the New Franchise Agreement
Discussion begins at 01:36:45 (https://youtu.be/k7Ub6TVDbrk?si=sLv63kAIflK0VpRs&t=5803 ) Town Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager Lorena Barrera and Scott Hannon of R3 Consulting presented the item and provided an overview of the negotiations and proposed new franchise agreement with Mill Valley Refuse Service (MVRS). The presentation summarized the history of the existing agreement and key provisions of the proposed 15-year agreement, including updated service requirements, enhanced reporting, rate-setting provisions, additional services to the Town, and an early termination provision.
September 1, 2026 Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 5 Barrera, Hannon, and Gene Della Zoppa, CEO and Managing Partner of MVRS, responded to questions from Council regarding the proposed agreement and service provisions.
Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period.
Public comment was received from:
• Jim Robinson
Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period and brought the item back to Council for consideration.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Ravasio/Andrews) to adopt Resolution No. 35/2026 approving a new Franchise Agreement between the Town of Corte Madera and Mill Valley Refuse Service for solid waste collection services beginning January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2041, and authorizing the Town Manager to execute the new franchise agreement.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
RECESS:
Following conclusion of the item, a brief recess was called. Council recessed at 8:45p.m.
Mayor Thomas reconvened the Council meeting at 8:50p.m. and called for Item 6.E.
6.E. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt Resolution No. 37/2026 Approving the Second Amendment to Adam Wolff’s Town Manager Employment Agreement Discussion begins at 02:00:55 (https://youtu.be/k7Ub6TVDbrk?si=VYYXiS1wUuMHCTdI&t=7252 ) Town Attorney Richard Pio Roda introduced the item and, pursuant to Government Code Section 54953, provided the required oral summary of the proposed changes to the Town Manager's compensation prior to Council action. Pio Roda stated that the Second Amendment would provide nine months of severance upon termination without cause; continuation of health benefits for up to nine months, ending earlier if Wolff obtains employment providing health benefits; and a $2,500 lump-sum payment, including for attorney's fees related to negotiation of the amendment.
During the meeting, public comment was received from the following individuals:
• Corinne Grant
• Glenn Roth
• Matt Kaufmann
• Tracy Tillanson
• Pete Sherwood
• Maureen O’Rorke
• David Macpherson
• Cheryl Longinotti
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period. Pio Roda responded to questions raised during public comment regarding the release agreement and clarified that the amendment was a negotiated agreement. Council deliberated.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Andrews) to adopt Resolution No. 37/2026 approving the Second Amendment to Adam Wolff's Town Manager Employment Agreement.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 4-0-1 (Abstain: Beckman) in favor of the motion.
Later in the meeting, Mayor Thomas clarified for the record that her vote on Item 6.E. was “yes.”
6.F. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt Resolution No. 38/2026 in Accordance with Corte Madera Municipal Code Section 2.12.240 and That Certain Town Manager Employment Agreement Dated December 7, 2022 Between the Town Council and Adam Wolff, Accepting Adam Wolff’s Resignation from Employment as Town Manager; Appointing Adam Politzer as Interim Town Manager, and Approving the Interim Town Manager Employment Agreement Between the Town Council and Adam Politzer Discussion begins at 02:36:11 (https://youtu.be/k7Ub6TVDbrk?si=qTjeX3vqABlhOL9T&t=9371 ) September 1, 2026 Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 6 Town Attorney Richard Pio Roda introduced the item and reviewed the applicable provisions of the Corte Madera Municipal Code and Town Manager Employment Agreement. Pio Roda explained that the proposed resolution would accept Adam Wolff's resignation from employment as Town Manager, appoint Adam Politzer as Interim Town Manager effective September 23, 2026, and approve an Interim Town Manager Employment Agreement with Politzer. Pio Roda also provided an overview of Politzer's municipal management experience.
MOTION TO EXTEND MEETING:
During consideration of the item, Council considered a motion to extend the meeting from 9:30p.m. to 10:00p.m.
Per the Council Rules of Order Section 6.10: Meeting End Time, a majority vote is required when the meeting end time of 9:30PM has been reached and there is a need to continue the meeting to 10:00PM.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Beckman) to extend meeting to 10:00PM.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 in favor of the motion.
Discussion of the item continued.
Mayor Thomas opened the public comment period.
Council received comments from the following individuals:
• Matt Kauffmann
• Alden Miles
• Glen Roth
• Craig Amos
• David Macpherson
• James Krajeski
Mayor Thomas closed the public comment period and brought the item back to Council for deliberation. Town Manager Wolff addressed Council and the community regarding his departure and the transition, thanked the community and Council for their support during his tenure, and expressed support for Politzer's appointment and for maintaining continuity and support for Town staff.
Mayor Thomas subsequently reopened the public comment period to receive an additional comment.
Public Comment was received from:
• Steve Hoffmire
Mayor Thomas then closed public comment and returned the item to Council.
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Andrews) to adopt Resolution No. 38/2026 in Accordance with Corte Madera Municipal Code Section 2.12.240 and that certain Town Manager Employment Agreement dated December 7, 2022 between the Town Council and Adam Wolff, accepting Adam Wolff’s resignation from employment as Town Manager; appointing Adam Politzer as Interim Town Manager, and approving the Interim Town Manager Employment Agreement between the Town Council and Adam Politzer
ROLL CALL VOTE: 4-1 (Beckman opposed) in favor of the motion.
6.G. Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt Resolution No. 39/2026 Approving a Legal Services Engagement Agreement with A.W. Blan Workplace Legal Services to Conduct an Independent Investigation, and a Limited Waiver of the Brown Act’s Confidentiality Provisions in California Government Code Section 54963(a) to Allow for Meeting Attendees to Disclose to the Independent Investigator Confidential Information from the Council Closed Sessions that were Held on May 20, 2026 and August 11, 2026 Discussion begins at 03:04:30 (https://youtu.be/k7Ub6TVDbrk?si=5QvgfIBI5stVLtIu&t=11067 ) Town Attorney Richard Pio Roda introduced the item and explained that the proposed legal services engagement agreement with A.W. Blan Workplace Legal Services would retain an independent investigator to conduct a fact-finding investigation requested by Council. Pio Roda explained that the proposed action also included a limited waiver of the Brown Act's confidentiality September 1, 2026 Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 7 provisions to allow attendees of the May 20 and August 11, 2026 closed sessions to provide confidential information from those sessions to the independent investigator. Pio Roda stated that the preliminary estimated cost of the investigation under the proposed scope was approximately $10,000 to $12,000.
Before proceeding to public comment and Council consideration of the item, at 10:00 p.m., Council considered whether to extend the meeting from 10:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Pursuant to the Council Rules of Order, a unanimous vote was required to further extend the meeting.
MOTION TO EXTEND MEETING:
MOTION: It was M/S/C (Casissa/Beckman) to extend the meeting to 10:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 3-2 (Opposed: Andrews and Ravasio). The motion failed because unanimous approval was required.
As a result, Item 6.G. was continued to the next regular meeting. No public comment was taken and no action was taken on Resolution No. 39/2026.
7. TOWN MANAGER AND COUNCIL REPORTS
Due to the meeting time limit, Town Manager and Council Reports were continued to the next regular meeting. No reports were provided.
8. DISCUSSION OF DRAFT AGENDA FOR UPCOMING TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
8.A. Review of Draft Agenda for Tuesday, September 1, 2026 Town Council Meeting (August 18th meeting was approved for cancellation at the June 16th meeting) Due to the meeting time limit, review of the draft agenda for the upcoming Town Council meeting was continued to the next regular meeting. No action was taken.
9. ADJOURNMENT
In accordance with the Council Rules of Order, Mayor Thomas adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m. after the motion to further extend the meeting did not receive the required unanimous approval. The next regular Town Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026.