1 October 15, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
Fairfax Town Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Fairfax Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax, CA
and via teleconference October 15, 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, Public Agency Law
Janabai Owens Deputy Town Clerk
Jeff Beiswenger, Planning Director
Kristin Arnold, Public Works Director
Michael Vivrette, Finance Director
Bridget Wipfler, Climate Action Coordinator
Mark Lockaby, Building Official
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
Vice Mayor Hellman requested a friendly amendment to re-sequence item 5 before item 2, but Council Member Coler objected. The motion to approve the agenda stands as presented.
M/S, Coler/Blash, Motion to approve the agenda.
AYES: Coler, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Vice Mayor Hellman, Mayor Blash NOES: None
Mayor Blash read the land acknowledgement.
Mayor Blash read the meeting protocol.
Report Out on Closed Session
No report was given on the closed session.
Presentation
1. Present Proclamation for Founding Member Jody Timms and Receive Age Friendly Fairfax Scorecard
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Mayor Blash and Council Member Coler presented Jody Timms with a proclamation recognizing her volunteerism to the Age Friendly Committee and community.
Jody Timms expressed gratitude to past and present members of Age Friendly Fairfax, stressing the need to address internalized and systemic ageism with compassion and patience. She remarked on how aging is a universal experience for Fairfax residents.
Mayor Blash opened the item to public comment.
No public comment.
Open Time for Public Expression
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Ricky Hertz of Sir Francis Drake spoke about a marijuana dispensary moving from School Street to Sir Francis Drake, stating promises of housing have not been kept and he faces eviction.
Sean Fitzgerald spoke about park safety issues and described email correspondences with council members.
Mark Bell spoke about the council and housing mandates. He cited Assembly Bill 747 and Senate Bill 99 requirements not being completed before the general plan's safety element.
Deborah Benson asked the council to update the formula business ordinance. She also questioned why new businesses aren't required to go through design review before painting and noted enforcement practices of sign ordinances.
Jody Timms encouraged residents not to vote for the recall of Mayor Blash and Vice Mayor Hellman and gave reasons why.
Todd Greenberg encouraged residents to vote yes on the recalls and gave reasons why.
David spoke against high-rise developments and described fear of litigation as an insufficient reason not to act.
Cindy Ross expressed concern about town progress, and noted a resident who emphasized the importance of having actual discussions about issues with specifics.
Liz Frohnenberger encouraged everyone to vote in November.
Nancy Clothier spoke about her recent experiences with verbal assaults.
Michael Rosenthal spoke positively about Mayor Blash and Vice Mayor Hellman's record of balanced budgets and extensive representation on county boards.
Mark Solomons shared a suggestion to build housing at Marin Town and Country instead of School Street Plaza and read a letter to developers asking why they want to proceed when residents are strongly opposed.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
Regular Agenda
2. Introduce, Waive First Reading, and Read by Title Only Ordinance 899 to Amend Chapter 8.04 of the Fairfax Municipal Code and Adopt the 2025 California Fire Code with Certain Local Amendments and Additions
Fire Inspector Robert Bastianon presented the ordinance to adopt the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code with local amendments. The California Building Standards Commission updates code every three years, and local agencies have 180 days to review and make 3 October 15, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
amendments before they take effect January 1, 2026. Marin County fire prevention officers collaborated to create consistent approaches across jurisdictions.
Three proposed changes include: raising vertical clearance over fire lanes from 13'6" to 15 feet for safe apparatus travel; deleting exceptions for emergency responder radio communication enhancement systems to ensure coverage regardless of building size; and adopting Appendix D for fire apparatus access roads to ensure consistency throughout the county.
Council members posed questions and comments about the proposed ordinance changes, inquiring about provisions including public storage facilities, emergency phone service requirements amid AT&T's copper landline discontinuation efforts, fumigation regulations and potential conflicts with Fairfax's pesticide ordinance, immunities for public officials, evacuation plans for disabled and elderly residents in hill areas, and financial impacts on homeowners.
Inspector Bastianon explained that the impacts are minimal, primarily affecting new construction and substantial remodels.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Todd Greenberg objected to waiving the first reading and requested a redlined version.
Mallory Geitheim expressed concern about evacuation with only one fire exit and street dining blocking egress.
Deborah Benson questioned conflicts with the tree ordinance regarding the removal of trees near structures.
Michael Mackintosh requested clarification on substantial remodels and asked about costs for those on fixed incomes.
Mark Bell asked about pesticide use and the definition of “substantial remodel”.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
Chief Mahoney emphasized that 95% of these codes have been adopted over 25 years with very little change. He stressed that vegetation management requirements help residents shelter in place if evacuation isn't possible and protect both residents and firefighters. The amendments reflect Ross Valley specific needs regarding narrow, winding roads.
Council agreed on the request for a redlined version presented for the public hearing scheduled for November 5, 2025.
M/S: Coler/Hellman, Motion to Introduce, Waive First Reading, and Read by Title Only Ordinance 899 to Amend Chapter 8.04 of the Fairfax Municipal Code and Adopt the 2025 California Fire Code with Certain Local Amendments and Additions AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: None
3. Introduce, Waive First Reading, and Read by Title Only Ordinance 900 to Amend Chapter 8.06 of the Fairfax Municipal Code and Adopt the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code with Certain Local Amendments and Additions
Fire Inspector Robert Bastianon presented the ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (WUI), which combines fire and building construction codes for designated fire hazard severity zones. The WUI code is being adopted separately in two 4 October 15, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
sections of the municipal code. Previous local amendments are carried forward with three minor additions: requiring both fire and building officials to issue final approval before occupancy; defining responsibilities of both officials; and raising imposed fire lane design load from 70,000 to 75,000 pounds for uniform countywide standards.
Council members posed questions and comments related to the topic of insurance companies and the ordinance requirements. Concerns were raised about the requirement that no tree portions should extend within 10 feet of chimneys or roofs, especially in cases where neighbors have trees at that distance.
Questions about costs and whether these requirements would impede ADU construction were also discussed. There was a query about the effectiveness of trimming trees near houses in preventing fires, referencing the example of the Tubbs fire where embers jumped across highways.
Inspector Bastianon and Chief Mahoney explained that the intent of the requirements is to slow fires and reduce fuel load, which would allow more time for operations and evacuation.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Deborah Benson noted conflicts between the fire hazard reduction requirements and the town's tree ordinance, particularly concerning 8-inch diameter trees.
Michael MacIntosh spoke about fines being placed on property tax bills and impacts to homeowners.
Todd Greenberg objected to waiving first reading and commented on the expanded fire hazard severity zones.
Mark Bell questioned what constitutes a "substantial remodel." Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
Chief Mahoney emphasized these amendments are vital for resident and firefighter safety given limited resources - only 3 firefighters on duty daily. He stressed the importance of creating Firewise communities where neighbors help each other evacuate.
The council voted to introduce the ordinance with corrections to terminology and scheduling a public hearing for November 5, 2025.
M/S: Coler/Hellman, Motion to Introduce, Waive First Reading, and Read by Title Only Ordinance 900 to Amend Chapter 8.06 of the Fairfax Municipal Code and Adopt the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code with Certain Local Amendments and Additions
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: None
BREAK
Mayor Blash called for a break at 8:47 p.m., and thereafter, the Council reconvened the Regular meeting at 9:02 p.m.
4. Introduce, Waive First Reading, and read by title only Ordinance No. 901 adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code
Building Official Mark Lockaby and Climate Action Coordinator Bridget Wipfler presented the ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code. The state updates building codes every three years, with local jurisdictions required to adopt them. Fairfax last adopted the 2022 codes with Tier 1 REACH codes and the Flexible Compliance program. 5 October 15, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
Under Assembly Bill 130, there's now a moratorium on new residential amendments until 2031, except those already in effect by September 30, 2025, or meeting specific exemptions.
Fairfax's REACH code amendments qualify because they are substantially similar to those adopted in 2022. The codes implement council goals for climate action, decarbonization, disaster preparedness, and resiliency.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Jody Timms, speaking as Climate Action Committee chair, supported the codes as foundational to meeting climate emergency goals and providing multiple pathways for compliance. She noted other jurisdictions throughout the Bay Area are adopting these codes.
Todd Greenberg noted the Town of San Anselmo’s discussion over these codes and urged the council to reconsider.
Michael Mackintosh expressed concern about costs for people on fixed incomes in older homes who won't have means to adapt to new rules.
Mark Bell questioned what constitutes a “substantial remodel” and commented on claims of urgency to vote immediately.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
Council members posed questions and comments related to the topic of the proposed ordinance. They inquired about the definition of a substantial remodel. They also raised concerns about the potential for increased construction costs due to the new requirements, particularly in relation to Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) development.
To address these concerns, the flexible compliance pathway was described as offering options and including exceptions for cases where economic infeasibility might arise.
Additionally, there was a discussion about the feedback received from residents on the flexible compliance path, with the overall response indicating no significant pushback, as many residents undertaking substantial remodels seem to prefer transitioning to update systems and implementing high-efficiency improvements.
M/S: Coler/Hellman, Motion to Introduce, Waive First Reading, and read by title only Ordinance No. 901 adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code AYES: Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: Egger, Ghiringhelli
5. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute a Loan Agreement Not to Exceed $1,600,000 Between the Town and Marin County for the Fire Station 21 Remodel Project
Public Works Director Kristin Arnold, Fire Chief Dan Mahoney, and Finance Director Michael Vivrette presented the Fire Station 21 remodel project loan. The station was built in 1974 with virtually no major improvements in 50 years except flood damage repairs in 2006.
Originally designed for 2 firefighters, as of July 1, 2025, the station moved to a 3-person engine company standard.
The project includes temporary living quarters during construction and the actual remodel to add one additional sleeping quarter, one additional bathroom for simultaneous decontamination between incidents, and a slightly enlarged kitchen to replace 50-year-old cabinets. Total estimated cost is $1,619,660.
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The team has implemented cost-saving measures including leaving framing and half the HVAC system in place and using existing facilities as much as possible during construction, such as partitioning the existing garage for the engine, and potentially using the community center instead of renting a trailer, which could save $100,000-200,000.
Finance Director Vivrette explained the County offered a loan at 4.731% over 5 years with no prepayment penalty, slightly more than what the town earns on investments (4.2%). The county reviewed the town's financials and determined creditworthiness based on debt-tobudget ratios.
Council members raised questions and comments regarding the Pine Drive settlement and potential funding options. They noted the town recently received $600,000 reimbursement from a Pine Drive settlement that was not included in the current budget and suggested exploring the use of those funds for the Fire Station 21 remodel project. They emphasized the importance of not delaying the process given how long it has already taken. Additionally, there was a suggestion to consider engaging with the Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District for potentially better financing rates compared to the current offer.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Thomas Finn from Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District clarified that their offer from October 2024 was virtually identical to the county's.
Michael Mackintosh offered to accommodate firefighters on his property if needed.
Todd Greenberg suggested a voter-approved new larger station that could accommodate a ladder truck.
Mark Bell questioned the per square foot cost of the project.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
Council discussed whether Sleepy Hollow could still make an offer, with Mr. Finn indicating circumstances may have changed due to other commitments. Council voted to proceed with the county loan.
M/S: Hellman/Coler, Motion to Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute a Loan Agreement Not to Exceed $1,600,000 Between the Town and Marin County for the Fire Station 21 Remodel Project
AYES: Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: Egger
6. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Grant-Funded Contract for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update in the Amount Not to Exceed $75,000 Planning Director Jeff Beiswenger presented the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan update. The town received an $82,917 grant from MTC. They received one proposal from TJKM for $75,000, with TJKM focusing on technical aspects while the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) handles public involvement.
The BPAC held its first meeting September 15 with Mayor Blash as council liaison, selecting a chair and vice chair. The next meeting is October 20. They plan an online map-focused walking audit and aim to complete the plan within a year.
Council members posed questions and comments related to the topic of the proposed bicycle and pedestrian master plan study. They inquired whether the study would address traffic impacts from housing element sites and expressed concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly at the Azalea/Drake crosswalk where incidents have occurred. Additionally, 7 October 15, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
discussions included what changes could be expected compared to the 2016 plan and the potential grant funding that might result, noting that $400,000 had been received in the past over an 8-9 year period. The importance of aggressively pursuing grant opportunities rather than waiting for the new plan was also emphasized.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Todd Greenberg expressed concern about BPAC citizen input and referenced controversy in Tiburon over bike paths.
Mark Solomons asked if this is just a study requiring more money for implementation.
Mark Bell suggested immediate action on crosswalks rather than waiting for studies.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
Mayor Blash emphasized the need for expert traffic engineering input rather than relying on "common sense" for safety improvements, noting flashing lights at one crosswalk would be costly. She explained that the plan is necessary for grant eligibility and will identify specific improvements based on data analysis.
M/S: Coler/Blash, Motion to Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Grant-Funded Contract for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update in the Amount Not to Exceed $75,000 AYES: Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: Egger
7. Approve Responses to the 2024-2025 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Report entitled The Worrisome Future of Marin Housing
Planning Director Jeff Beiswenger presented and reviewed the responses drafted by the Planning Department to the Civil Grand Jury report on Marin housing.
Council members posed questions and comments related to the topic of the proposed responses to the Marin County Civil Grand Jury report. They thanked staff for clarifying that “cities plan but do not build housing”, noting that the Grand Jury's findings were overly broad due to a limited understanding of requirements. Discussions included comments on Marin employees living outside the county to gain more property and housing value, the rising construction costs, and inquiries on why affordable housing construction costs are 39% higher than market rate. It was clarified that prevailing wage requirements apply when using state or federal tax credits or funding.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Todd Greenberg asked if responses create liabilities given pending lawsuits and requested ADU production data.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
Staff confirmed responses create no liabilities or obligations. Housing production data is available on HCD's website and reported annually by April 1st.
M/S: Coler/Egger, Motion to Approve Responses to the 2024-2025 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Report entitled The Worrisome Future of Marin Housing AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: None
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8. 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.
Council Member Coler requested adding the police chief to item (d) as an authorized agent for disaster assistance.
Council Member Egger requested removal items a, b, c, and e.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Mark Solomons noted a lack of Marin activity for United Against Hate Week but mentioned San Rafael's youth art contest.
Todd Greenberg suggested adding the building inspector to disaster assistance agents.
Todd Greenberg proposed rotating different groups for June flag flying.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
Items remaining on the consent calendar:
d. Adopt a Resolution Designating the Town Manager, Public Works Director, Finance Director, and Police Chief as the Town’s Authorized Agents for Purposes of Obtaining Federal and State Disaster Assistance
f. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Display of Veterans Day Banners during the Month of November 2025; Authorize Use of Staff Time to Place Banners g. Receive Report of Town Hall Closure and Winter Furlough Days for Town Hall Employees from December 24, 2025, to January 1, 2026
h. Reappoint Ted Pugh to the Tree Committee
i. Adopt a Proclamation Recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month j. Adopt a Proclamation Recognizing Zero Waste Week
k. Adopt a Proclamation Recognizing United Against Hate Week M/S: Coler/Ghiringhelli, Motion to approve the Consent Calendar Items, d, f, g, h, i, j and k.
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Blash
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Hellman
Items Removed from the Consent Calendar:
a. Financial Statement and Disbursement Reports for August 2025 Council Member Egger questioned CalCard report totals. Finance Director Vivrette clarified the net total of $15,482 after credits.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Todd Greenberg calculated a percentage of road-related revenue is allocated to road maintenance.
Mark Bell questioned the allocation and spending related to the $8,838 disaster preparedness budget and wildfire tax.
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Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
Staff clarified UUT and franchise fees don't go to roads, the $8,000 is for specific disaster council expenses not all preparedness activities, and monthly reports only show 2 months of the fiscal year. Single audit requirements only apply to agencies with over $750,000 in federal expenses.
M/S: Coler/Hellman, Motion to Approve the Financial Statement and Disbursement Reports for August 2025
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: None
b. Receive report on Councilmembers' assignments, committees, and activities in September 2025
Council Member Egger noted his report submitted October 9 didn't make the agenda, then read his activities aloud.
Noted as Absent:
Vice Mayor Hellman was noted as absent from the meeting at 11:34 p.m.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Todd Greenberg questioned whether public comments get distributed when submitted late and noted Vice Mayor Hellman left at 11:34 p.m.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
M/S: Coler/Blash, Motion to Receive report on Councilmembers' assignments, committees, and activities in September 2025
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Blash
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Hellman
Waive the 11:30 p.m. rule
M/S, Coler/Blash, Motion to waive the 11:30 p.m. rule.
AYES: Coler, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Blash
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Hellman
c. Approve Minutes from the August 6 and September 3, 2025 Town Council Meetings
Council Members discussed Future Agenda Items from the August 6 minutes including performance evaluations and smoking ordinance. It was indicated the park rules committee depends on the town attorney's work, performance evaluation date is being scheduled, and the tobacco ordinance will follow the county's model ordinance adoption on October 21 and may happen in December.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Todd Greenberg spoke about meeting minutes and the Victory Village loan discussed at prior meetings.
Mark Bell requested verbatim reporting such as a Court Recorder and detailing significant financial matters handled by the town, specifically the Victory Village loan.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
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M/S: Coler/Ghiringhelli, Motion to Approve Minutes from the August 6 and September 3, 2025 Town Council Meetings
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Blash
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Hellman
e. Adopt a Resolution Establishing the Regular Council Meeting Dates for the Months of January, July, and April 2026 and Confirm the 2026 Regular Meeting Calendar Council Members discussed that there are gaps of 49 days (December to January) and 42 days (March to April and June to July) between meetings. It was stated that Council could consider looking at the second Tuesday instead of third Wednesday for months with large gaps. It was mentioned these gaps relate to the holidays and also staff furlough days as well as the Ross Valley Fire Board meeting which meets on the second Wednesday. Council agreed to continue this item to November meeting when the full council is present.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
Todd Greenberg asked the clerk to confirm whether Vice Mayor Hellman was in the room.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
M/S: Coler/Ghiringhelli, Motion to Continue the Resolution Establishing the Regular Council Meeting Dates for the Months of January, July, and April 2026 and Confirm the 2026 Regular Meeting Calendar to the November 5, 2025 meeting.
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Blash
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Hellman
COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Already addressed during consent calendar discussion.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Future Agenda Items include:
● Park rules committee update (dependent on town attorney's work) ● Scheduling performance evaluations
● Tobacco ordinance consideration (post-county's model ordinance adoption) ● Revision of chain store ordinance (requires Planning Commission review; active consideration)
● Commercial vehicles parked by 7-Eleven to be referred to PD ● Safety improvements for the Azalea/Drake crosswalk (issue to be addressed by legal counsel outside open session)
● Permit fee waivers for home hardening activities (deferred until full council present) ● Revising objective development standards (deferred until full council present)
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
Town Manager Abrams gave the following report:
● Power restored after wires down at Cascade and Laurel. ● November 5 meeting will contain presentations on evacuations with police chief, fire chief, and Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority head and a possible presentation by PG&E on electric reliability.
● County's first reading on minimum pricing for vapes and tobacco is on October 21.
Fairfax consideration of vape and tobacco pricing anticipated in December. ● Town received $600,000 settlement reimbursement for Pine Drive Road repair due to unpermitted work causing road undercutting.
ADJOURNMENT
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The meeting was adjourned in memory of Jane Goodall at approximately 11:54 p.m.