FAIRFAX TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
STAFF REPORT
1 AGENDA ITEM #8.d.
MEETING DATE November 5, 2025
PREPARED FOR Mayor and Town Council
PREPARED BY Christine Foster, Deputy Town Clerk
SUBJECT Receive report on Councilmembers’ assignments, committees, and activities in October 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
Receive Councilmember activities report.
DISCUSSION
Every month, each Councilmember provides a list of the meetings they attended in the preceding month on behalf of the Town, for inclusion in this report. Under the agenda section entitled “Council Reports and Comments” Councilmembers may choose to highlight one of those meetings.
Mayor Blash
*Note on meetings with Town Manager: Council members meet individually with the Town Manager to discuss questions and updates. If a council member is not meeting with the Town Manager, that is by choice.
09/06: Attended Ember Stomp. (Forgot to report last month.) 10/07: Met with Town Manager.*
10/10: Coffee Hour with the Mayor. Town Manager Heather Abrams, Finance Director Michael Vivrette, and I met with about 16 Fairfax residents to discuss various issues, including budget transparency, tree removal at Elliott Nature Preserve, pedestrian safety, Fire Station remodel, and more. 10/14: Met with Town Manager.*
10/15: Town Council Meeting. Authorized upgrading fire codes, WUI codes, and building codes.
Authorized $1.6 million dollar loan to remodel the fire station; authorized grant spending on a consultant for Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Approved responses to Grand Jury Report “The Worrisome Future of Marin Housing”.
10/18: Attended & talked with residents at Fairfax’s No Kings Day about concerns about impact of federal government actions on local communities.
10/18: Attended Fairfax Theater Company’s Play “The Koh-I-Noor Diamond, A Trial (A Young King, Two Queens and A Royal Crime)”. Please support local artists!! 10/20: Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Meeting. Extensive discussion of outreach activities to engage the community in the process, review of consultant scope of work, received presentation on Safe Routes to School Projects, approved draft bylaws, discussed community outreach effort “branding.
10/22: Marin County Council of Mayors and Council Members Meeting. San Rafael. Voted for a representative to the Golden Gate Transit Board and re-appointed Holly Thier to that board.
Presentations on Vivalon services, San Rafael’s SAFE (Specialized Assistance for Everyone) Team that largely handles calls for help with unhoused people, and an update on the SMART Train services. 10/23: Transportation Innovation Workshop, Transportation Authority of Marin. Discussed innovative programs in transportation, including autonomous vehicles, use of AI in traffic signals, and other new technologies impacting transportation planning.
10/23: Transportation Authority of Marin Board Meeting. 2 • Approved sending a letter expressing concern about new HOV lane hours—trying to balance the need to incentivize carpooling to cut greenhouse gas emissions while making life manageable for local service worker commuters in particular.
• Authorized a Contract Extension for the Highway 101 Interchange Studies and Update on the Studies and Next Steps. Some reconfiguration was needed due to a September discussion about reducing the Interchange Program from 3% to 2.5% of the Measure AA budget to fund the Crossing Guard Program.
• Approved the Funding recommendation of programming for FY2025-26 and FY2026-27 Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA), Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3, and Measure B 1b Funds. Several Marin communities received grants to address pedestrian and cyclist safety and access.
10/24: Memorial Service for Council Member Mark Milberg of Novato. Mark Milberg died suddenly recently. He was a well-loved and dedicated Novato Council Member. There was a large crowd in attendance to honor his memory.
10/25: Marin LGBTQ Center's First Annual Awards Luncheon & Celebration. Attended a fundraiser to support the re-opening of a Marin LGBTQ+ community center providing services to Marin LGBTQ+ individuals, including youth and seniors.
10/28: Met with Town Manager.*
10/29: Coffee Hour with the Mayor. (update forthcoming) 10/29: Citizen’s Disaster Committee Meeting. (update forthcoming) Vice Mayor Hellman
Oct 6: Meeting with town manager
Oct 14: Weekly Station 21 upgrade project team discussion with architect, RVF Chief Mahoney, Town Manager Abrams, Public Works Director Arnold.
Oct 15: Fairfax regular monthly town council meeting. Council voted 4-1 on financing the remodel of Station 21.
Oct 18: Fairfax Age-Friendly committee 90th birthday celebration gift bags - delivered to one of Fairfaxians on Redwood Road.
Oct 18: RVFD Emergency Aid/Medicine Workshop.
Oct 20: Meeting with town manager
Oct 21 - Weekly Station 21 upgrade project team discussion with architect, RVF Chief Mahoney, Town Manager Abrams, Public Works Director Arnold.
Oct 22 - MCCMC monthly meeting this month hosted in SR at new Vivalon center. Presentations from Vivalon and SMART.
Oct 23 - Town Fairfax Takeback Day - showed up to support e-waste and Rx disposal event Oct 25 - Celebration luncheon for Marin LGBTQ+ Center event at Unity in Marin, Novato.
Oct 29 - MCCMC planning and discussion touchpoint with Rebecca Vaughn 3 Oct 29 - Town of Fairfax Citizens Disaster Council - reviewed the Sept 6th Evac drill participation data; discussed communication opportunities to drive enrollment for AlertMarin and Nixle as they service different purposes. Discussed more evacuation (drill) options, readiness for mobile-impaired residents, website enhancements.
Oct 31 - Helped kickoff downtown Fairfax Halloween Parade /celebration Councilmember Coler
1. October 7, 14, 28 – Met with Town Manager on various Council matters.
2. Oct 6 – MCE Clean Energy Executive Committee meeting – Ex. Com. approved: Chevron Corporation’s $35,000 grant to the MCE Home Energy Savings program to provide residential upgrades to at least 15 homes in Richmond to reduce respiratory triggers. Ex. Com. approved with revisions: Board Retreat (10/16 in Concord) agenda. WE reviewed the Executive and other standing committees (recommended either a Finance Committee or having Ex. Com. include Finance for quarterly mtgs focused only on Finance); and received a presentation on FY 25/26 Pro Forma Fiscal update.
3. Oct 8 – Ross Valley Fire Board – mtg canceled in Oct.
4. Oct 1/9 – Marin Wildfire Executive Committee meeting – mtg canceled in Oct.
5. Oct 9 – Marin Local Agency Formation Commission (Marin LAFCo) meeting – The Commission held two public hearings: 1) approved Resolution 25-22 Annexation of 2349 Novato Blvd. (132- 031-04 &132-031-08), Novato into Novato Sanitary District; 2) approved the San Rafael Municipal Services Review (MSR) and the Sphere of Influence (SOI) update including – the MSR workplan, Resolution 25-23 MSR approval, Resolution 25-24 for the SOI of the Marinwood CSD and Resolution 25-25 for the SOI for the City of San Rafael. The Commission had a discussion on the Marin LAFCo applicant & general public survey process, and, had an informational discussion on a potential reorganization, which may include dissolving the San Quentin Village Sewer Maintenance District and annexing properties within the Ross Valley Sanitary District SOI into RVSD.
6. Oct 14 – MCE Clean Energy meeting with CEO Weisz, staff and Marin Conservation League representatives.
7. Oct 15 – MWPA Board premeeting with President and staff – not held as Board meeting canceled in Oct.
8. Oct 15 – Town Council meeting.
9. Oct 16 – MCE Clean Energy Board Retreat at MCE Concord Office – Topics covered: Key highlights – 15 year anniversary & year in review (e.g., since inception $400M reinvested in MCE communities, $80M saved on customer bills, 500,000 metric tons of carbon reduced, 38 member communities in Marin, Solano, Napa & Contra Costa counties, total accounts 600,000, MCE’s credit rating increased to A-, MCE power supply is 100% fossil free, 95% GHG free & 60% renewable); Managing MCE’s Power Supply Portfolio; CAISO, Risk Mitigation & MCE’s Approach to Market Participation; Using Virtual Power Plants to decrease Volatility and Risk in MCE’s Supply.
10. Oct 16 – Marin Wildfire (MWPA) Board meeting – mtg canceled in October.
11. Oct 18 – Age Friendly 90 and Better 8th Annual Celebration – Age Friendly members and other volunteers delivered gift baskets to 17 Fairfax residents 90 and over who participated, 49 Fairfax residents 90+ were identified, and all were sent certificates signed by Mayor Blash. This year a young tween participated in the deliveries. Coler also delivered one gift basket on Oct 17 as the resident had another commitment on Oct 18.
12. Oct 22 – 24 - CALAFCO Annual Conference in San Diego – see CALACO website https://calafco.starchapter.com/index.php. As the voting delegate for Marin LAFCo, I voted for Rosemary Kamei (Santa Clara) for the Coastal Region City Seat and Roger Anderson (Santa Cruz) 4 for the Coastal Region Public member seat – both were elected to the CALAFCO Board. Also voted for the amended Bylaws which were adopted by all CALAFCO members unanimously.
Conference: https://calafco.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=5&ts=1760125395. Travel and other expenses paid by Marin LAFCo.
13. Oct 22 – Marin County Council of Mayors & Councilmembers (MCCMC) monthly meeting – did not attend due to conflict with CALAFCO conference.
14. Oct 24 – Community Media Center of Marin Board meeting – did not attend due to conflict with CALAFCO conference.
15. Oct 27 – Marin County Council of Mayors & Councilmembers (MCCMC) Legislative Committee –Of the over 900 bills sent to the Governor, he signed 794 and vetoed 123. Bills signed (chaptered) by the Governor that the Committee has taken positions on: AB 1 (Connolly) – requires that the Ins. Commissioner consider updating its regulations to include home hardening measures every 5 years; SB 346 (Durazo) – allows cities/counties to adopt ordinances to require STR facilitators (e.g., AirBNB) to provide assessor parcel #s and other elements for STRs; SB 79 (Weiner) does not apply to Marin County (we opposed); SB 707 (open meetings act, requires telephonic or zoom for ALL legislative bodies only applies to cities over 30,000; limited other provisions apply to smaller); AB 888 (Calderon) – establishes a new State grant program to reduce wildfire losses & other things; AB 1154 (Carrillo) – adds ADU provisions in law to JADUs, e.g., cannot be used as STRs if built after specified date; SB 63 (Weiner) – ballot revenue measure for transportation funding (does not apply to Marin Co. or N. Bay Area). Vetoed by the Governor: AB 846 (Connolly) – wildfire preparedness activities, incidental take; AB 1143 (Bennett) – required Home Hardening certification program by the State Fire Marshall; AB 620 (Jackson) – would have allowed renting (not just purchase as currently required) of medium and heavy duty zero emission vehicles – clean fleets; AB 650 (Pappan) – would have allowed jurisdictions to start planning for housing elements 6 months earlier and required HCD to provide clear written communications that ID’d specific deficiencies (we had supported all). The group discussed priorities for the Committee for next session within our scope (starts Jan 5, Gov’s Budget Jan 10, 2 year bills may be taken up early) – housing, insurance, wildfire (veg. mgt.), e-bikes (Minetta Report coming out soon), older adults, Polluters Pay Climate Superfund (unlikely, has died for several years, Cap & Invest extended until 2045). Two potential ballot measures at the AG’s office (not at signature gathering stage yet) – Billionaire’s tax 5% to backfill for Fed/State cuts (opposed by the Gov); CalChamberBldg Affordable Housing Act. Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assoc. will run a measure to rein in or cap real estate transfer taxes. Prop 4 - $3.3B is available – cities and other should review CalCities guide to determine if any funds may be available for parks, etc. MCCMC LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE SCOPE OF ADVOCACY: Fiscal Protection: protect city revenues from state. Local Control: support legislation that enhances local control of resources to provide services while supporting regional co-operation. Oppose unfunded mandates and preemption of local authority and control of land use. Transportation Investment: promote stable transportation finance structure for state and local government. Multimodal, enhancing livable communities Housing/Land use: protect local government land use authority. Oppose punitive housing legislation, and legislation that restricts or reduces local discretion on land use decisions. Other legislation can be recommended to MCCMC at a regular meeting. Coler requested and was approved to follow all wildfire bills as they fit within land use/housing and local control.
16. Oct 30 - Teleconference with the RWQCB re: their project on Broadway - Coler is doing this pro bono to assist the affected businesses and our Town.
17. Oct 31 – Halloween Parade – served as a crossing guard for the kids to get to the Haunted Grove.
Councilmember Egger
September Report
5 Sept. 23, 2025: Attended the Fairfax Open Space Committee Meeting at the Fairfax Women's Club.
Cascade Canyon resident Linda Novy expressed concern about the recent vegetation clearing by the County in the flats along Fairfax Creek. The reported purpose was to increase clearance for firefighting response. An Elderberry tree/bush was removed that was not in the way and other creekside vegetation plus a Dusky-Footed Woodrat nest was removed. Those nests provide protection from predators and harsh weather, a nursery for newborn and food storage. Since the 39 acre Elliott Nature Preserve is located in Fairfax Town Limits, the Town should have been notified of the proposed work.
The FOSC is forming a Biodiversity Sub-committee.
Naming of Wall property sites were discussed. The 3 existing signs to be installed are all in the back seat of the old boom truck. I dropped off Redwood slabs for the new signs to Dean and Mott at their shop at Fairfax Lumber for preparation. I had purchased them from a Redwood Stud Mill in Cazadero and am donating the Redwood and cost to prepare and route out the lettering. The bottom lines will read TOWN of FAIRFAX.
Sept. 24, 2025: Attended the September meeting of the Marin County Council of Mayors & Councilmembers at the Sweetwater in Mill Valley. The main program included presentations on Affordable Housing opportunities including setting up a city/town affordable housing fund.
October Report
Frank Egger's report on other agency meetings:
Ross Valley Flood Control Zone 9, no meeting this month.
Marin County Council of Mayors & Councilmemebers Oct. 22, 2025- Hosted by San Rafael & was held at the Vivalon Campus in San Rafael.
Reports on ABAG and BCDC, GGBH&TD, MCCMC Legislative Committee and TAM.
City Selection Committee met, votes were cast, counted and announced. Tiburon Mayor Holli Their retained her seat.
We move upstairs for the main program. Welcome by MCCMC Chair, Fairfax Vice-Mayor Stephanie Hellman, and San Rafael Mayor Kate Colin. Vivalon CEO Kaushik Roy gave us an introduction to Vivalon & their services. SMART GM Eddy Cummins reported on SMART's programs &services and a presentation was made on the SMART ballot Measure to extend the Tax and to keep the tax, no increase. San Rafael gave a presentation on the SAFE Team, Specialized Assistance For Everyone.
Fairfax Open Space Committee meeting, October 28, 2025:
Open Time; a discussion ensued regarding various private & public open space parcels, including the proposal by a developer to build 20 units, 10 houses & 10 ADUs, on the Meadowlands 10.36-acre Open Space parcel. The developer is meeting with the Canon Village Homeowners Association to try and have them amend their PDD Zone to allow an extension of McKenney Dr. around the back of the Canon Tennis & Swim Club and zigzagging its way to the top of the ridge, to build units along the new road. The FOSC stated they need to be part of any discussion impacting either public or private open space.
The FOSC discussion also included the State requirement that Fairfax needs to have their Open Space Element updated by January, 2026.
6 There was discussion as to Staff's response to an issue regarding the County's clearing of vegetation in the Elliott Nature Preserve. The 39-acre Elliott Nature Preserve is in Fairfax Town Limits. FOSC needs to be notified of any proposed work going on out there before it happens, A discussion of possible names for various portions of the Wall property.
There were comments Re: San Anselmo provides a Staff person for their Open Space Committee. This would help with the communications from the FOSC to Fairfax Staff.
Councilmember Ghiringhelli
Council Report October 1st to October 31st
Mike Ghiringhelli
Intro
As one of the few council members who was born and raised in Fairfax, and operate small businesses in our town and in our downtown, I am literally one of the most accessible council members in the history of Fairfax, for the constituents of Fairfax.
I also proudly donate my time as a council member to help my hometown of Fairfax, and I will continue to fight for the safety and protection of our children and all members of our community.
I did serve on other boards when I served two town council terms in 1996 and 2000, including as President of the Ross Valley Fire Board. Unfortunately, the current town council denied my requests to serve on other boards, including the Fire board after I was elected last year.
Although not required to do so- here is a month report , of what i do in Fairfax and for Fairfax.
October
1st Weds
Special Coffee Talk Meeting With Constituents at Mario’s Cafe 10 am to Noon
2nd Thursday
3rd Friday
Happy Hour with Constituents downtown 3-6
4th Saturday
5th Sunday
Happy Hour with Constituents downtown 3-6
7 6th Monday
Special Coffee Talk Meeting With Constituents at Coffee Roasters 10 am to Noon
Walked the town.
Discussed with management the dangerous crosswalk over by Fairfax Market - and suggested its removal for a variety of safety reasons.
7th Tuesday
visited local merchants to get feedback on town
8th - Weds
Special Coffee Talk Meeting With Constituents at Mario’s Cafe 10 am to Noon
Walked the town.
9th - Thursday
10th - Friday
Happy Hour with Constituents downtown 3-6
Hot Topics
Concern for chain stores by some residents and business owners. 11th -Saturday
visited parks
12th - Sunday
13th Monday
Special Coffee Talk Meeting With Constituents at Coffee Roasters 10 am to Noon 14th Tuesday
visited local merchants to get feedback on town
15th Weds
Special Coffee Talk Meeting With Constituents at Mario’s Cafe 10 am to Noon
16th Thursday
17th Friday
Happy Hour with Constituents downtown 3-6
8 18th Saturday
visited parks
19th Sunday
Happy Hour with Constituents downtown 3-6
20th - Monday
Met with members of the UVA and Compassion City to help put together a fundraiser for a homeless community campus, providing all essential services on one campus, including living quarters 21st Tuesday
visited shop owners
22nd Weds
23rd Thursday
24th - Friday
Environmental Convention in Monterey Ca.
25th Saturday
26th Sunday
27th Monday
28th Tuesday
visited local merchants to get feedback on town
29th Weds
Met with members of the UVA and Compassion City to help put together a fundraiser for a homeless community campus, providing all essential services on one campus, including living quarters Special Coffee Talk Meeting With Constituents at Mario’s Café 10 am to Noon Friday - 31st
picked up council packet
studied packet
Happy Hour with Constituents downtown 3-5
Halloween Crosswalk duty.
Passed out candy.
Saturday 1st
studied packet
Sunday 2nd
studied packet
9 Monday 3rd
studied packet
Tuesday 4th
studied packet
visited local merchants to get feedback on town
Weds 5th
Special Coffee Talk Meeting With Constituents at Mario’s Café 10 am to Noon studied packet
Closed Door Session
Council Meeting
First person from the left