FAIRFAX TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM #5
MEETING DATE April 3, 2024
PREPARED FOR Mayor and Town Council
PREPARED BY Christine Foster, Deputy Town Clerk
SUBJECT Discuss/consider a Residents’ Petition submitted per Town Code by the West Marin little League regarding homeless encampments in Fairfax.
RECOMMENDATION
Discuss/consider the petition and direct staff as appropriate.
DISCUSSION
Pursuant to Fairfax Municipal Code Section 2.08.090 (C), if the Council is presented with a petition signed by 25 Fairfax residents urging consideration of an issue, the issue shall be placed on the Council’s agenda for discussion.
On February 26, 2024, a residents’ petition was submitted to the Town for the Council’s consideration.
The petition has 25 signatures of Fairfax residents, which meets the 25-signature threshold, and is on file with the Town Clerk. The petition states:
“We the undersigned residents of Fairfax, CA, request the following item be added to the next Town Council agenda: The residents of Fairfax are requesting an opportunity to share their thoughts on the growing homeless encampment located on/near the baseball field in downtown Fairfax known as “Central Field” and/or “Contratti Field.” The petitioners will be at the meeting to make a brief presentation of 3 to 5 minutes. After the presentation and taking public comment, the Council may discuss the matter and direct staff if the Council would like to prepare a further report, or as needed.
BACKGROUND
The Town of Fairfax works cooperatively with the County of Marin and other local jurisdictions on homelessness; Whole Person Care/Homelessness Division provides resources and program information, including a data dashboard that highlights encampments throughout the county, number of homeless veterans, families, and how many have transitioned into permanent housing.
The Town Council has had several presentations on homelessness in Fairfax:
• October 4, 2023: Presentation by Gary Naja-Riese, Whole Person Care/Homelessness Division Director
• August 3, 2022: Presentation by Ashley Harte Macintyre, Marin County Health and Human Services
• November 3, 2021: Presentation by County Health and Human Services: Ken Shapiro, Chief Operating Officer / Chief Assistant Director and Ashley Hart McIntyre, Homelessness Policy Analyst
2 On October 4, 2023, the Town Council appointed a subcommittee on Homelessness; Vice Mayor Blash and Council Member Cutrano. Vice Mayor Blash and Council Member Cutrano also serve on the Marin County Council of Mayors & Councilmembers (MCCMC) Homelessness Ad-Hoc Committee.
FISCAL IMPACT
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS
None.