1 February 5, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
Fairfax Town Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Fairfax Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax, CA
and via teleconference
Thursday, February 5, 2025
Call to Order/Roll Call:
Mayor Blash called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Lisel Blash, Mayor
Barbara Coler
Frank Egger
Michael Ghiringhelli
Stephanie Hellman, Vice Mayor
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Heather Abrams, Town Manager
Christine Foster, Deputy Town Clerk
Janet Coleson, Town Attorney
Jeff Beiswenger, Planning Director
Loren Umbertis, Public Works Director
Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Hybrid meeting at the Fairfax Women’s Club and via Zoom Call To Order: Mayor Blash called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Blash led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda:
M/S, Coler/Hellman, Motion to approve the agenda.
AYES: Coler, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash NOES: None
Mayor Blash read the Land Acknowledgement Statement and delivered a brief statement regarding the Town’s position, meeting protocols, and protocols on hate speech.
Open Time for Public Expression
Steven Keys asked everyone to view the 6-7 p.m. Marin TV program next Wednesday about wildfires.
John Fox spoke about having been approached to sign paperwork to receive free attorney services geared to sue the Town, which he will retract.
Mark Bell questioned status of an agenda item regarding road repairs, and about the status of anti-camping signs and storage containers.
Deb London echoed the previous speaker’s questions.
Todd Greenberg questioned enforcement of the Town’s Municipal Code, the anti-camping ordinance, Robert’s Rules of Order, and conduct of meetings. 2 February 5, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
Michael Mackintosh commented on the conduct of councilmembers, councilmembers and residents pulling items from consent, and discussed MSS’s and Prop 218.
Sean Fitzgerald thanked Town Attorney Coleson for drafting an anti-camping ordinance, reported on his work at the campsite, and noted behavior of Mr. Robbie Paulson at the camp.
Cindy Ross asked the Council to enforce Town Ordinance 734, Section 1.12.010 regarding emission of noxious fumes at the laundromat.
Jody Timms invited everyone to an event hosted by the Fairfax and San Anselmo Climate Action Committees.
Regular Agenda
1. Interview Applicants and Consider Appointments for Town Clerk and Town Treasurer Positions
Town Manager Abrams gave the staff report, PowerPoint presentation, background, and the process relating to appointment for the two open positions of Town Clerk and Town Treasurer.
Councilmembers agreed to hold separate interviews and allow 3 minutes for public comments for each position.
Town Clerk Interviews:
The following individuals provided information on their background, experience, and interest in the Town Clerk position, and Councilmembers posed individual questions for each applicant as well as staff.
• Deborah Benson
• Linda Kenton
• Michael Mackintosh
• Rick Hamer
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comments.
The following individuals voiced support of Deborah Benson:
Cindy Swift and Cindy Ross
The following individuals voiced support for either Deborah Benson and/or Michael Mackintosh:
Sean Fitzgerald Mark Bell
Kay Steven Keys
Mallory Geitheim Pamela Miggs
Jane
Todd Greenberg voiced support for a majority vote by Fairfax voters for the Town Clerk position.
Michael Mackintosh said he hopes the decision is one that is encompassing the entire Town for the future and hopes the Council will be able to choose the right skill set for the position.
A speaker said they hoped the Town Clerk is friendly, skilled, and trauma informed. 3 February 5, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
Bruce Ackerman voiced support of Rick Hamer and Linda Kenton.
Kevin voiced support of Rick Hamer for the Town Clerk position and Deborah Benson for the Treasurer role.
M/S, Egger/Ghiringhelli, Motion to appoint Deborah Benson as Town Clerk to fill the vacancy through 2026.
Mayor Blash made a substitute motion to appoint Rick Hamer. There was no second to the substitute motion, which failed.
Councilmember Coler made a substitute motion to appoint Linda Kenton as the Town Clerk. Vice Mayor Hellman seconded the motion.
Councilmembers briefly spoke about the Town Clerk position not being ceremonial, protocols for substitute motions, conflict of interests, and Town Attorney Coleson clarified that a substitute motion requires a motion and second, and a roll call vote.
BREAK
Mayor Blash called for a break at 8:12 p.m. and, thereafter, reconvened the meeting at 8:17 p.m.
Vote on Substitute Motion:
M/S, Coler/Hellman, to appoint Linda Kenton as Town Clerk.
AYES: Coler, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash
NOES: Egger, Ghiringhelli
Town Treasurer Interviews:
The following individuals provided information on their background, experience, and interest in the Town Clerk position, and Councilmembers posed individual questions for each applicant, as well as staff.
• Deborah Benson
• Robyn Clifford
• Talia Friedman
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comments.
The following individuals voiced support for Deborah Benson:
Rick Hamer Todd Greenberg
Cindy Swift Pamela Miggs
Sean Fitzgerald Michael Mackintosh
Ling Shen Bell Cindy Swift
Deb London Mark Bell
Jane
Janet Garvin, retired Fairfax Treasurer, voiced support of Talia Friedman.
M/S, Coler/Hellman, to appoint Talia Friedman as Town Treasurer. 4 February 5, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
Substitute Motion:
M/S, Ghiringhelli/Egger, to appoint Deborah Benson as Town Treasurer.
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli
NOES: Coler, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash
Original Motion:
M/S, Coler/Hellman, to appoint Talia Friedman as Town Treasurer.
AYES: Coler, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash
NOES: Egger, Ghiringhelli
BREAK
Mayor Blash called for a break at 9:00 p.m. and, thereafter, reconvened the meeting at 9:06 p.m.
2. Receive a Presentation and Update on the 2025 Fairfax Festival Town Manager Abrams introduced the item, gave background on the festival which includes the Town’s in-kind and fiscal agent services for the event, and asked for discussion by the Council to give staff direction on funding for the event.
Larry Bragman gave an overview of the Fairfax Festival and committee, activities, an identified need for better broadband access, support provided by Eco Fest, and he asked the Council to consider providing utility and infrastructure services.
Councilmembers questioned the potential need for a professional promoter, the festival’s popularity as a grass roots event, sponsorships, donations, differences between Eco Fest and Fairfax Festival, profit from the event, the Festival’s work with the Chamber of Commerce for the 501(c).3 designation, the staff report’s chart and costs, police overtime, additional monies of $10,000 for the bouncy house and garbage, request for structure and a documented financial process between the Town and the committee, help with their budget from the Town’s Finance Department, removal of recycling from the contract by MSS, the funding request to help fund the garbage and ballfield, potential grants to cover expenses, and the focus for the festival to raise more revenue.
Finance Director Michael Vivrette recommended being able to work with Mr. Bragman on the festival’s financials and to present this during the Council’s mid-year budget review or at a budget workshop wherein the Council can review funding at that time. Town Manager Abrams agreed with Mr. Vivrette.
Waive the 10:00 p.m. Rule.
M/S, Coler/Hellman, to waive the 10:00 p.m. rule.
AYES: Egger, Coler, Ghiringhelli, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash NOES: None
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comments.
Michael Mackintosh voiced support for the festival, recommended the festival explore creating a 501(c).3 and acquire a general liability policy.
Mr. Bragman noted they purchase event insurance so the Town is double insured.
Deb London voiced support for a promoter to bring in more money, to work with the Chamber of Commerce, and asked for financial transparency and clarity. 5 February 5, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
Todd Greenberg voiced support of the festival and its benefits to the Town.
Mark Bell recognized the largest increase as the cost of recycling and suggested re-usable mugs.
Renee Goddard, Zero Waste Coordinator for the Fairfax Festival, clarified that Mr. Bragman and Pam Hartwell-Herrero negotiated the MSS contract and they provide all dumpsters, hauling, disposal, and port-a-potties. The $8,000 is the cost of people overconsuming and waste more and more, and recognized the Conservation Corps’ work.
3. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement between the Town and Fairchild Broms Design for Fire Station 21 and Receive Informational Report on Fire Station 21 Construction Project.
Town Manager Abrams introduced the item, provided a PowerPoint presentation, background on previous Council discussions, progress, and next steps.
Councilmembers had questions on the project manager, concerns with cost estimate changes and the need to scrutinize costs, overall scope changes, and questions on authorizing the proposed changes. Town Manager Abrams said the Council could approve the additional $16,500 for the designer and staff could return with more information at a future meeting.
Councilmembers then received an explanation from Fire Chief Mahoney and staff on triggers of regulatory requirements for the fire station, cost estimates and bid for the project, temporary housing costs for firefighters, JPA funding, obtaining a loan from the County with LAIF type.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Michael Mackintosh said he is supportive of the fire department, but voiced concerns with consumption of funds, and asked to find another location.
Todd Greenberg said he is a supporter of police and fire but not uncontrolled spending, and echoed the need to find a new location.
Mark Bell cited possibilities for grants.
Deb London echoed all comments regarding spending and cited the need for better access and more room.
Councilmembers held brief discussion on higher costs, available grants, and asked for attempts to drill down costs.
M/S, Coler/Ghiringhelli, to adopt a resolution authorizing the Town Manager to Execute the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement between the Town and Fairchild Broms Design for Fire Station 21.
AYES: Egger, Coler, Ghiringhelli, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash NOES: None
Consent Calendar
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comments.
Michael Mackintosh asked to allow items to be removed, asked for more detail in minutes, questioned Account 99, and asked for a year-to-year comparison of the balance sheet. 6 February 5, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
Todd Greenberg requested removal of item 4.a, thanked Mimi Newton but said she has not lived in Fairfax under Item 4.e, objected to Item 4.b; the minutes.
Mark Bell echoed previous comments and questioned budget cost for the Climate Action Coordinator, the lamp post banners, street maintenance, and disaster preparation.
Deb London echoed comments regarding the control of budget costs, and comments regarding PC members living in town.
Deb Benson echoed comments regarding reappointment of Mimi Newton and her residency.
Councilmember Egger requested removal of Items a. and b. c. Receive written report on Councilmembers’ assignments, committees, and activities in January 2025
d. Receive Fairfax Department of Recreation and Community Services Quarterly Financial October to December Report
e. Reappoint Planning Commissioner Mimi Newton to the Planning Commission f. Proclamation Celebrating Black History Month
g. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Temporary Closure of Certain Streets to Facilitate the Fairfax Little League Opening Day Parade on March 9, 2024, and Approve Sponsorship of the Parade
M/S, Coler/Hellman, Motion to approve the Consent Calendar Items c, d, e, f, and g.
AYES: Egger, Coler, Ghiringhelli, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash NOES: None
a. Receive Financial Statement and Disbursement Reports for December 2024 Councilmember Egger and Ghiringhelli posed questions, and received clarification from staff, regarding the income statement Dept. 030; Business Licenses, Dept. 040; Vehicle Code fines, attorney costs, actual Town positions, upcoming budget hearings, and suggested sending the Chamber of Commerce the business license list.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Todd Greenberg asked for line items and details for special services under the Town Attorney budget.
Mark Bell commented on his business license and asked about the cost for the Climate Action Coordinator.
Michael Mackintosh requested receiving a list of credit card holders, W-2’s, 1099’s, and Town Attorney billings.
Deborah London agreed with speaker requests and comments, asked to cut positions, enhance transparency, and reduce spending.
Deborah Benson asked if all payroll reporting is confidential.
BREAK
Mayor Blash called for a recess at 11:00 p.m. and, thereafter, reconvened the meeting at 11:03 p.m.
7 February 5, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
M/S, Coler/Hellman, Motion to approve the Consent Calendar Item a.
AYES: Egger, Coler, Ghiringhelli, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash NOES: None
b. Approve Minutes for the December 4, 2024 Town Council Meeting Councilmember Egger requested the results of the Town Council election be included in the minutes; that a vote be included on the Consent Calendar, clarified he and Councilmember Ghiringhelli voted “no” regarding waiving second reading on procedures in the absence of a quorum, and asked that the December 4th minutes be continued.
Deputy Town Clerk Foster explained that on page 12 under Item 14 of the Consent Calendar, it states the Consent Calendar was continued to a special meeting on December 18, 2024. There are some items that cannot be adopted, such as second readings of ordinances, at a special meeting so those items were moved to the next regular agenda. Also, resolution numbers are never listed in the minutes and staff also provided a supplement of the election results for the packet as soon as the County provided it.
M/S, Ghiringhelli/Egger, Motion to continue Consent Calendar Item b to the next meeting for clarification.
AYES: Egger, Coler, Ghiringhelli, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash NOES: None
Future Agenda Items
1. Discussion on Fire Station;
2. Discussion about Fairfax becoming a Charter City; and
3. Discussion on forming a committee to revise park rules Council Reports and Comments:
Mayor Blash announced that Council Reports are included in writing in the Consent Calendar.
Town Manager’s Report
Town Manager Abrams reported and described storm damage to two apartments and a home which had to be red-tagged, occurrence of a staff injury, work on March agenda items, scheduling of the February 12th Strategic Planning/Retreat, discussion of mid-year budget, presentation of the annual financial audit, work on park rules, an E-bike item in April, and said staff is keeping track of future agenda items.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 p.m. in memory of Charles (Chuck) Hermann and Mary Bruce.