FAIRFAX TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM #14
December 4, 2024
Mayor and Town Council
Deputy Town Clerk Christine Foster
MEETING DATE
PREPARED FOR
PREPARED BY
SUBJECT Authorize the Mayor to Sign a Letter Supporting the "Alex Gate Safety Act of 2024"
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the mayor to sign the letter.
BACKGROUND
The "Alex Gate Safety Act of 2024" is a bipartisan federal bill introduced by Congressman Huffman and co-sponsored by Congressman Curtis. The legislation aims to enhance safety standards for new gate installations, addressing hazards that have led to fatalities. The bill proposes:
1. Mandatory updates to safety standards for gates, including design features to prevent unintended movement or collapse.
2. A national education campaign to raise awareness about gate safety.
The bill has been named in honor of Alex Quanbeck and follows advocacy efforts to address manual gate failures. Mayor Coler has been requested to provide a letter of support, reflecting the Town’s commitment to public safety and alignment with community values.
DISCUSSION
Supporting this federal bill will bolster efforts to address gate safety on a national level and demonstrate solidarity with the affected families. The letter includes:
• Acknowledgment of the bipartisan effort.
• Specific reference to the legislation’s goals.
• Expressions of support for the co-sponsors' leadership.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Draft Letter of Support
T O W N O F F A I R F A X
142 BOLINAS ROAD, FAIRFAX, CALIFORNIA 94930
PHONE (415) 453 - 1584 / FAX (415) 453 - 1618
Hon. Jared Huffman
2445 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-0502
Hon. John Curtis
2323 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-4403
Dear Congressman Huffman and Congressman Curtis,
As Mayor of the Town of Fairfax, California, I am writing to express my strong support for the Alex Gate Safety Act of 2024 that is sponsored by Congressman Jared Huffman and Congressman John Curtis.
On August 2, 2023, our Town adopted a new law on gate safety – pursuant to my championing this law, the Fairfax Town Council adopted Ordinance Number 881 for Gate Standards for specified manual rolling gates which can be constructed on public, commercial, residential and school properties.
This Ordinance added a new Chapter 15.17 to the existing Town Building Code:
• Existing gates which meet the specifications must be retrofitted, or replaced if needed, by January 1, 2024
• New gate installations much meet the requirements before installation • Both new and existing gates must be inspected every three years • The owner of a regulated gate must submit a certificate of inspection to the Town’s building department
These rolling gates pose significant safety hazards to children and adults. Alex Quanbeck was killed at his school while playing football with friends during recess when a 300-pound manual rolling gate fell on him. Alex’s father, Eric Quanbeck, participated in our ordinance hearings and made us aware of numerous other fatalities that have occurred in California as well as other cities across the country.
There is no question that the safety of our citizens is a priority for our communities and their legislators.
This proposed legislation would provide vital protection to our citizens by directing the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate a mandatory rule to ensure newly installed gates meet updated industry standards and also run a national education and awareness campaign to inform the fencing industry, consumers and public officials about the dangers associated with gates.
This bipartisan legislation will ensure safety across all of our communities and thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mayor of Fairfax