1 August 6, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
Fairfax Town Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Fairfax Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax, CA
and via teleconference
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Call to Order/Roll Call:
Mayor Blash called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:00 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
Kristin Arnold, Public Works Director
Rico Tabaranza, Police Chief
Closed Session at 5:00 p.m.
In person at the Fairfax Community Center, 16 Park Road
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -EXISTING LITIGATION
Govt Code 54956.9
Town of Fairfax v. Carrie Durham
Marin Superior Court, Case Number CIV-0002423
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code §54956.9 (d)(1)
Cecil Brheath Scwarz et.al v. Town of Fairfax
United States District Court, Northern District of California Case number: 3:25-CV-06395
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code §54956.9 (d)(1)
Delta Grinding Company v. Town of Fairfax et al.
Marin Superior Court, Case number: 25-cv-06395-RS
Special Meeting at 6:10 p.m.
In-person meeting at the Fairfax Women’s Club
1. Interview and consider an appointment to the Open Space Committee M/S, Coler/Hellman, Motion to appoint Michale Reeves to the Open Space Committee.
AYES: Coler, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash NOES: None.
Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Hybrid meeting at the Fairfax Women’s Club and via Zoom 2 August 6, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
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/Ghiringhelli, 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.
Report Out on Closed Session
Town Attorney Coleson announced the following: Item 1) Direction was given to staff by the Council; Item 2) Cecil Brheath Scwarz, et. al vs. Town of Fairfax; she read a statement into the record regarding the judge not lifting the temporary restraining order (TRO) and the Town will not enforce the ordinance until allowed by law. The TRO will be in place through August 20, 2025 and another hearing will be held on August 19th regarding the Preliminary Injunction. Item 3) Delta Grinding Co. vs. Town of Fairfax, direction was given to staff by the Council and the Council authorized up to $40,000 for a cross complaint.
Open Time for Public Expression
Dan Mahoney, Fire Chief, RVFD, spoke about false accusations suggesting the Fire Department is targeting businesses by means of fire inspections based on political beliefs.
Sean Fitzgerald requested the Town fence off the area around the Bay Laurels which were cleared in Peri Park.
Michael Mackintosh spoke about the Wall property’s appraisal and ownership.
Bill Long, Chair of Marin Open Space Trust, read a portion of a letter sent to the Council regarding the Wall property finances.
Cindy Swift announced Sidewalk CPR Training on Saturday, August 16th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fairfax Fire Station.
Marleen spoke about the Town’s pursuit of lawsuits and charter cities, and questioned the legality of a fundraiser and other events.
Mallory Geitheim requested reinstatement of the Town’s videoing of public speakers participating on-line.
Rick Hamer requested the Council reinstitute the 3-minute speaker time.
Councilmember Ghiringhelli recommended allowing people in the room to speak for more than 15 minutes at the beginning of the meeting. Mayor Blash suggested this be a future agenda item.
Cindy Ross questioned the status of her petition asking the Town to regulate emissions from the laundromat at Fairfax Plaza in accordance with the Town’s ordinance. 3 August 6, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
Jane asked for the status of the redwood trees related to street work, as well as the Bay tree at the former encampment.
P.J. Feffer asked the Council to take up the issue of a rental registry.
Minna Kim, Fairfax Chamber of Commerce welcomed new businesses Practical Magic and Clean Happy Dogs and said a ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Sunday at noon at Sugar Shack at 69 Bolinas.
Joe McGary spoke about the Council’s adoption of a peace proclamation and asked to revisit it.
Larry Bragman said he visited an alternative encampment site today with a County official and believes it is viable.
Ricky Hertz spoke about helping to facilitate the dispensary moving and his eviction, citing unfair treatment.
Todd Greenberg spoke about a document related to Victory Village.
Thomas Boyd described false accusations made by Richard Hurts about 1591, 1593 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.
Regular Agenda
1. Receive and File Certificate of Sufficiency of Local Recall Petitions Seeking Removal of Councilmembers Blash and Hellman and Discuss Setting the Special Municipal Election Date for the Recall
Recusal: Mayor Blash and Vice Mayor Hellman recused themselves and left the dais.
Councilmember Coler took over the matter.
Town Attorney Coleson gave the staff report, an overview of potential dates for a special election, and actions to be taken for the Council to consider the matter.
Councilmembers posed questions and confirmed special and regular election costs and number of registered voters.
Councilmember Coler opened the meeting to public comments.
The following individuals spoke about election costs and voiced support of a November 4th election:
Todd Greenberg, Michael Mackintosh, Candace Neal-Ricker, Sean Fitzgerald, Kathy Flores, Lewis Tremaine, Mallory Geitheim, Mark Bell, Deb London, Chris Kenton, Jane, and Joe McGarry.
Rick Hamer spoke about Council choosing the election date.
Wendy voiced concerns with the Recall election and said petitioners do not represent the majority of the entire town.
Chris Kenton echoed concerns of Wendy.
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Cindy Ross questioned whether a second election would be needed if the Recall passed.
Mimi Newton voiced concerns with the cost of the Recall election, questioned if new Councilmembers will need to be chosen, and urged the Mayor and Vice Mayor not to resign.
Joe McGarry voiced support of the Mayor and Vice Mayor and suggested more civility by Councilmembers.
Councilmember Coler clarified the Town cannot add candidates on the ballot during the same Recall measure, clarified there would need to be a second election, and confirmed that costs would not change for Fairfax’s costs unless there are additional measures on the ballot by the Town of Fairfax.
Councilmember Egger asked and confirmed the code states an interim Councilmember appointment may be made, a Special Election must be called within 60 days, and inquired about how resolution numbers are assigned.
M/S, Ghiringhelli/Egger, Motion to receive and file Certificate of Sufficiency of Local Recall Petitions Seeking Removal of Councilmembers Blash and Hellman and to adopt Resolution of the Town Council, Town of Fairfax calling for the holding of a Special Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 for the submission of the question of the Recall of Certain Officers, and to adopt a Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Marin to render full services to the Town relating to the conduct of a Special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 for the submission of the question of the recall of certain officers.
AYES: Coler, Egger, Ghiringhelli
NOES: None
RECUSED: Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash
Returned to Dais/Noted as Present:
Mayor Blash and Vice Mayor Hellman returned to the dais, and were noted as present.
2. Cannabis Business Permit for a Cannabis Storefront Retailer/Adult Use Retail Deliveryonly Business at 1601 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard Mayor Blash opened the public hearing.
Linda Neal, Principal Planner gave the staff report, background, and an overview of the request for a Cannabis Business Permit for a cannabis storefront retailer/adult use retail delivery-only business at 1601 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.
Vice Mayor Hellman asked, and Principal Planner Neal spoke about the methodology used in determining traffic per industry data.
Mayor Blash asked about the criteria on the appropriateness of this application and the process in terms of receipt of resident complaints. Principal Planner Neal described the 23 meetings held, the business’s location, response to complaints by the applicant as well as to the website for Bureau of Cannabis Control, and what the Town previously approved.
Martin Kaufman, applicant, Marin Retail Ventures, LLC, expressed gratitude relating to the process and encouragement by the community, spoke of his outreach to businesses and neighbors, and said he was available for questions.
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Councilmembers posed questions regarding the sale of candy-flavored vape pens marketed to kids, the Chronicle article regarding “Operation Limelight,” the request and commitment by the business to give back to the community, the naming and non-operation of the business in other states, the number of products offered at the store, delivery, and on-line, camera systems for security, the applicant’s non-involvement regarding loans, and the ratio of 40/60 of cash on hand as compared to debit/credit-card processing with trends toward electronic payment.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Todd Greenberg spoke about comments and concerns from nearby businesses.
Bonnie Zaleski, owner, TLC Tutoring and Learning Center, read her letter submitted to the Town Council regarding the Council waiving the 300-foot buffer in 2024 and her center’s offering of inperson or on-line services.
Ricky Hurtz, 1591 Sir Francis Drake, described this location as much better than 1591 Sir Francis Drake.
Charlie, Muir Avenue, cited hypocrisy with a dispensary being around children.
Jeremy Knutson voiced support of the location, cited the need, and asked that parents be aware of the dispensary.
Sean Fitzgerald voiced support of fairness, noted that no Hill Street residents were in attendance, and noted Lynette Shaw has faced relentless opposition.
Deb London echoed comments of Mr. Fitzpatrick’s comments and opposed Mr. Kaufman’s application.
Larry Bragman suggested the need for a buffer in light of Bonnie Zeleski’s testimony tonight and asked the Council to look at the federal complaint in the Dan Rush case.
Lynette Shaw, owner of the Marin Alliance, cited her circumstances, spoke of her work and help to thousands of people, and said a licensed security guard is required for dispensaries.
Lewis Tremaine said a cannabis business cannot be moved next door to a tutoring center and asked the Council to turn down Mr. Kaufman’s application.
Mark Bell voiced concern and surprise that no one within 300 feet of the dispensary is here.
A speaker said Lynette Shaw has done a good job and the Town does not need a second dispensary.
Michael Mackintosh agreed Mr. Kaufman made a nice presentation but voiced concerns about the Town treating people differently.
Laura opposed Mr. Kaufman’s dispensary, waiving of the 300-foot buffer, crime, and suggested he relocate to the old cottage next to the Post Office.
Cindy Ross voiced concern with having two dispensaries so close to each other and with the legal age of 18 or 21 to be able to buy high THC products.
Dana Card asked the Town to require a security guard and spoke about rising crime associated with dispensaries.
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Kelsey Fernandez cited concerns of high THC products and increased use by youth of storefront dispensaries, thinks Lynette Shaw was not complying with Town regulations, and that Mr.
Kaufman will abide by laws.
Richard said he has been at many meetings and asked for fairness and consistency, noting the number of the same businesses within two blocks of each other.
P.J. Feffer thinks the Town would want a vacant space occupied for tax revenues for the Town and cited an Association of Realtor report that shows no increase in crime for dispensaries, as well as no change in property values.
Holly agreed with Richard and P.J.’s comments and thinks the applicant has demonstrated preparedness and a strong understanding of operating the business responsibly.
Christopher Lang referred to his comments that dispensaries are a bad influence on local youth and asked that the new dispensary have similar use permit conditions as Marin Alliance.
Mayor Blash closed the public hearing.
Councilmembers commented on work by Mr. Kaufman to find a location in town, lack of available locations in town for a dispensary, the definition of a tutoring center, confirmation by Mr. Kaufman that kids cannot make purchases at the proposed facility and technological ways to track a purchase and limit any one identification, the tutoring center’s location as 60 feet away from the proposed dispensary location, and received clarification of Mr. Kaufman’s co-founding of a dispensary called Blum and his previous co-ownership of Cookies Oakland, TLC which is not a school but a tutoring center.
Further comments and questions continued regarding evictions of residents and businesses at the School Street Plaza due to upzoning, questions as to whether the business is a franchise operation, TLC’s outdated (2021) business license, confirmation of Ms. Shaw’s business as being within the buffer of the TLC and the Caterpillar preschool academy and the Council’s decision to not take that into consideration and allow her to apply for a CUP, confirmation there are no current cannabis businesses in operation in Fairfax right now, staff’s attempt to determine whether TLC was still operating, the Town not having any dispersal requirement so both dispensary businesses can be near to each other, the ordinance which allows two dispensaries, and the timeframe with which Ms. Neal contacted TLC regarding the status of their business license and response by TLC.
Councilmember Ghiringhelli recommended hearing from TLC, which is a tutoring center and asked if a dispensary business can be 60 feet away from a tutoring center. Town Attorney Coleson replied there is a prohibition in the code on that, and pointed out that Ms. Shaw’s business is within 300 feet of a tutoring center, as well. She suggested continuing the item to the next meeting and have staff speak with the owner of the tutoring center, obtain evidence that they are still operating, and that there are students at that location and not just remotely.
Councilmember Coler asked staff to have the resolution prepared in the event there is a decision made that the tutoring center is not operational.
M/S, Coler/Ghiringhelli, Motion to continue the item to the September 3, 2025 Council meeting for staff to obtain evidence that TLC is still operating with students at that location and to direct staff to prepare a resolution in the event the Council decides to move forward with one or more permits.
AYES: Coler, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Mayor Blash
NOES: Vice Mayor Hellman
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BREAK
Mayor Blash called for a break at 9:55 p.m. and thereafter, reconvened the regular meeting at 10:00 p.m.
Waive the 10:00 p.m. Rule
M/S, Coler/Ghiringhelli, Motion to waive the 10:00 p.m. rule and move forward with the meeting.
AYES: Coler, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash NOES: None
3. Rescind Resolution 25-15 and Adopt a Resolution Forming the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee with Expanded Membership; and Consider Appointments Planning Director Jeffrey Beiswenger gave the staff report and overview of the consideration to rescind Resolution 25-15 and adopt a new Resolution forming the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) with expanded membership to add two Alternate members, and to consider appointments of members and two Alternate members.
Councilmember Coler referred to number 9 of the Resolution which states, “A Town staff member may be assigned as staff liaison to BPAC by the Town Manager” and asked that this state, “…will be assigned….”
Councilmembers confirmed interviews were conducted two months ago, that direction to staff was for five members, two alternates, and one youth member, that the Council could choose to appoint a Council liaison, issues of achieving a quorum, and that staff had recommended members per the rating page from interviews. It was suggested having seven committee members and four alternates wherein Item 3 would be revised to add “Quorum is ___.” For seven voting members, a quorum of seven is four members. The alternates are expected to attend all meetings and they are non-voting members but can vote if the regular member is absent.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
A speaker, founder of the Bike Coalition, said he applied to BPAC but did not get a response. He proposed a project to the Town for safe 36” wide bike lanes, recommended appointing regular members and alternates to maintain a quorum, and voiced his continued interest in serving.
Gwen Froh, Education and Encouragement Director, Marin County Bike Coalition, voiced support and need for BPAC, suggested 7 members with two alternates, and voiced support for a Council liaison.
Mark Vendetti spoke of his passion and experience in advocating for active transportation and bike and pedestrian policies, and voiced interests in safe bicycling, safe routes to schools, senior accessibility, and designing with people and bikes in mind.
Todd Greenberg voiced support for a BPAC and questioned if staff should guide who should be on the committee.
Michael Mackintosh recommended keeping a large group of people and thinks there is great value to diversity.
Mark Bell spoke about quorums and asked for clarification on the need for a consultant for BPAC. 8 August 6, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Blash asked and confirmed that funding is a grant from TAM which will be reserved for the technical part of the project, with staff preparing most of the Public Engagement plan.
Mina asked to include a representative from the business community that supports walkability and expressed interest.
Sierra Salin thinks the process is flawed and asked to include a member from the County.
Deb London questioned staff’s time to address BPAC when code complaints are not followed up on, asked that a member be pedestrian-oriented, and to continue the matter.
Cindy Ross said that the committee felt bicycle-oriented with pedestrians as an after-thought, described her serious accident, and asked to give back Landsdale Avenue to pedestrians.
Richard said he agrees with difficulties when committees get too big, voiced support for diversity, opposed appointing alternates, and asked that absent members lose their seat after a certain number of missed meetings.
Councilmember Coler commented on the BPAC meeting cadence, encouraged Mr. Salin to participate in the meetings, and voiced support of: Joey Shepp, Andrew Hobbs, Liz Gottlieb, Virginia Rosenthal, and Kyle Jameson; and Eric Bettencourt and Mark Vendetti as alternate members. If people miss three meetings, they should be terminated from serving.
Vice Mayor Hellman suggested considering all five members and two alternates as voting members, and supported termination after missing three meetings.
Councilmember Ghiringhelli supported seven voting members, four alternates, and termination when missing three meetings.
Councilmember Egger recommended a business representative and someone who lives in the downtown to be on BPAC and did not have an opinion on the number of members.
Mayor Blash voiced support of BPAC having seven members and four alternates, termination after missing three meetings, for BPAC to be a standing committee at some point in time, supported those individuals suggested by Councilmember Coler, and volunteered to serve as Council liaison.
Mr. Beiswenger agreed to make revisions to the Resolution, as follows:
• Under the “Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved” clause, he will change this to Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) as well as in number 2; • Under number 3, he will change the “5” to “7” and “2” to “4”; • Add a new item 4 which implements BPAC absences to read, “BPAC members are expected to attend meetings and, “If a member misses more than three meetings in a sixmonth time period, they are automatically removed from BPAC and replaced by an Alternate member as chosen by remaining BPAC membership.” • Under number 9, Town staff member will be assigned as a staff liaison to the BPAC by the Town Manager; and
• Add a number 10 to state, ”The Town Council shall appoint a Council Liaison to serve on BPAC.”
• Add “BPAC will appoint the youth member not the Town Council.” 9 August 6, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
• M/S, Coler/Ghiringhelli, Motion to Rescind Resolution 25-15 and adopt a Resolution, as amended, forming the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee with expanded membership to include Joey Shepp, Andrew Hobbs, Kyle Jameson, Eric Bettencourt, Liz Gottlieb, Mark Vendetti, Virginia Rosenthal as the seven voting members. For alternate members, to appoint Ian Walton, Charles Barbieri, Emma Lee McFarland, and Jeffrey Guild as alternate members; and that the resolution be revised to state “A Town staff member will be assigned,” “BPAC will appoint the youth member not the Town Council,” and add if a member misses three meetings within a six-month period, they are removed and BPAC will choose which alternate would become the voting member.
AYES: Coler, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash NOES: None
M/S, Coler/Ghiringhelli, Motion to appoint Mayor Blash as Council Liaison to BPAC.
AYES: Coler, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash NOES: None
4. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute an Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with CSW/ST2 for the Park Road Rehabilitation and Improvement Project
Public Works Director Kristin Arnold gave the staff report and overview of the matter to execute an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with CSW/ST2 for the Park Road Rehabilitation and Improvement Project. Staff recommends the Council consider the amendment to the agreement and adopt a Resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute the amendment to the agreement.
Councilmember Coler voiced concern with Ross Valley Sanitary District and PG&E, and asked if contingencies have been planned. She suggested moving forward and for a contingency for PG&E, with them fixing everything afterwards.
Ms. Arnold spoke of her meeting with PG&E and their timeframe given, said she is meeting with Ross Valley Sanitary District tomorrow to re-discuss when they can do the work. Everybody is very aware of the funding deadline which has been communicated. She then described conflicts with the utilities and storm drain location.
Councilmember Coler asked for routine updates on the project, given uncertainties with the Sanitary District and PG&E.
Councilmember Egger asked if ARPA funds will need to be returned if not spent, asked if the $79,880 to the consultant include project management, and Ms. Arnold said she will serve as Project Manager.
Mayor Blash asked and confirmed that the redwood trees will be protected during construction, and Ms. Arnold said staff is also looking into modifications on the sidewalk to help protect tree roots, as well.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Michael Mackintosh voiced concerns about alternatives and change orders related to costs.
Sean Fitzgerald referred to the November 2024 staff report and ARPA funds and added expenses to have CSW on site to answer questions about the engineering plans. 10 August 6, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
Mark Bell questioned additional engineers needed to be hired to oversee work, and thinks it would have been less expensive to go with an alternate local bidder.
Todd Greenberg asked to examine the bid and award process and procedure.
Deb Benson agreed with questions and comments of speakers, cited the need for extensive drawings and a tree protection plan, and questioned the bid and award process.
Mayor Blash asked about the public bidding process.
Town Manager Abrams briefly described California Public Works law, and that the Town is required by law to choose the lowest responsive bidder. The Council allocated funding on November 6, 2024 and had to do this by the end of December.
Councilmember Ghiringhelli suggested studying the bidding process to better screen the qualifications of bidders and their bids.
In response to Mayor Blash’s question about project management, Ms. Arnold provided an example of a project where staff reviews the project to determine it meets the specifications of the bid. The contractor sometimes submits an equivalent product to save the Town money. While she was not with the Town initially for this project, having the design engineer on board can help her review that, which is very valuable.
M/S, Coler/Ghiringhelli, Motion to adopt a Resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute an Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with CSW/ST2 for the Park Road Rehabilitation and Improvement Project
AYES: Coler, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash NOES: None.
Waive the 11:30 p.m. Rule
M/S, Ghiringhelli/Coler, Motion to waive the 11:30 p.m. rule and move forward with the meeting.
AYES: Coler, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash NOES: None
5. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute a Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement between the Town and Fairchild Broms Design for the Fire Station 21 Remodel Project
Public Works Director Kristin Arnold introduced Fire Chief Dan Mahoney who was available to answer questions. She then presented the staff report, background, and overview on the updates of Fire Station 21 and requested that the Council authorize the Town Manager to execute a second amendment to the agreement between the Town and Fairchild Broms Design.
Councilmembers posed questions on reasons why a cost estimator is needed given a previous cost estimate, and the Town Manager and Chief Mahoney provided a detailed explanation.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Michael Mackintosh asked the Town to discuss trading properties with School Street properties and asked to better understand the bid and other costs.
Todd Greenberg questioned what the costs will be and how this will be financed. 11 August 6, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
Mark Bell echoed speaker comments, asked for exact costs and determine the best way to finance it.
Councilmember Ghiringhelli asked and confirmed with Chief Mahoney and Ms. Arnold the process undertaken in getting detailed drawings, obtaining cost estimates and an Engineer’s Estimate, and moving forward with the bid process.
M/S, Coler/Hellman, Motion to adopt a Resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement between the Town and Fairchild Broms Design for the Fire Station 21 Remodel Project.
AYES: Coler, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash NOES: None.
BREAK
Mayor Blash called for a brief break at 12 midnight, and thereafter, reconvened the Regular meeting.
Noted as Absent:
Deputy Town Clerk Christine Foster announced that Vice Mayor Hellman left the meeting at 11:55 p.m.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR The Council can approve all items on the Consent Calendar in one action. Alternatively, any Council or staff member can remove items for separate discussion and voting. Public comments for Consent Calendar items are taken collectively, not item by item. During this period, speakers may address any item on the Consent Calendar, with each speaker allotted up to two minutes and limited to one comment session.
Councilmember Coler thanked Geoff Bolt and members of the Fairfax Open Space Committee for the proclamation designating the Northern Spotted Owl as the official Town Bird of Fairfax.
Councilmember Egger requested removal of Item a.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Todd Greenberg commented that Vice Mayor Hellman is not present in the room for the Consent Calendar and requested removal of Items a, b, f, and h, and provided comments regarding Items b and f.
Mark Bell referred to Item i and questioned housing development’s impact of the protected species.
Michael Mackintosh asked for more than 2 minutes to speak, questioned the cost for Item h, and questioned Closed Session items.
P.J. Feffer referred to Councilmember Reports and asked about one Councilmember not filing a report since February.
Councilmember Coler clarified for Item h that Marin Street Smarts program covers the cost. b. Receive report on Councilmembers’ assignments, committees, and activities in July 2025
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c. Approve Minutes from the June 4, 2025 Town Council Meeting d. Adoption of a Resolution Making Certain Findings and Determinations in Compliance with Section XIIIB of the California Constitution (Gann Initiative) and Setting the Appropriation Limit for Fiscal Year 2025-26
e. Adopt Resolution Setting the Living Wage for Town Employees and Town Contract Employees pursuant to the Annual Review Requirements of Section 8.56.020 of the Town Code
f. Treasurer’s Report for Quarter Ending June 30, 2025
g. Receive Fairfax Department of Recreation and Community Services Quarterly Financial April – June report
h. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Display of Street Smarts Banners from September 29th to November 14th, 2025
i. Adopt a Proclamation Designating the Northern Spotted Owl as the Official Town Bird of Fairfax, California
M/S, Coler/Egger, Motion to approve the Consent Calendar Items b, c, d, e, f, g, h, and i.
AYES: Coler, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Mayor Blash
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Hellman
Items Removed from the Consent Calendar:
a. Receive Financial Statement and Disbursement Reports for June 2025 Councilmember Egger questioned and Finance Director Viverette responded to the following budgets: Town Attorney, Street Lights and Traffic Signals, Human Resources, Licenses, and Elections.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Todd Greenberg commented on legal costs, requested pagination, and a table of legal costs for every staff report.
Mark Bell questioned the Climate and Environment budget ,and asked for a complete breakdown of general and special legal costs.
Michael Mackintosh asked to see a more detailed explanation of all federal funds expended, extended, or borrowed against, and recommended putting the Financial Report on-line.
Councilmember Ghiringhelli said he has asked to receive itemized bills from attorneys, asked whether insurance funds are being spent on attorneys.
Town Attorney Coleson stated there is a $50,000 deductible when there is a lawsuit and the rest of the cost is covered and paid by the pooling authority. Itemized bills are attorney-client privilege and cannot be made public to Councilmembers until litigation has concluded.
M/S, Coler/Blash, motion to approve the Consent Calendar Item a.
AYES: Coler, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Mayor Blash
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NOES: None
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Hellman
Council Reports and Comments:
Mayor Blash announced that Council Reports are included in writing in the Consent Calendar.
She announced a Mayor and Manager Happy Hour will be held from 5-6 on August 14th.
Future Agenda Items
1. Discussion about Fairfax becoming a Charter City (continued to September-Egger);
2. Discussion on a Parks Rules Committee and revising park rules (Ghiringhelli);
3. Discussion on recommendations for strengthening the Town’s smoking ordinance and tobacco regulations (Coler);
4. Discussion about downtown safety issues (Egger); and
5. Discussion of updated housing laws
Town Manager’s Report
Town Manager Abrams gave the following report:
• The update regarding the temporary restraining order on the Town’s anti-camping ordinance went out in a news post;
• Discussed at the Disaster Council today was the evacuation drill which will be held in Fairfax and ending at the Ember Stomp, and she presented the poster which will be distributed.
• She reminded those interested in receiving updates to subscribe to the Town’s newsletter. • A ribbon-cutting for Sugar Shack will be held at 12 noon on Sunday welcoming new businesses.
• Sidewalk CPR will be held on August 16th at the Fire Station, as mentioned previously.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12:35 a.m. in memory of Augie Garcia and Bill Whitney.