Fairfax Town Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Fairfax Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax, CA
and via Zoom December 3, 2025
Call to Order/Roll Call:
Mayor Blash called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Lisel Blash, Mayor
Stephanie Hellman, Vice Mayor
Barbara Coler
Frank Egger
Michael Ghiringhelli
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Heather Abrams, Town Manager
Christine Foster, Assistant to the Town Manager/ Deputy Town Clerk
Janabai Owens, Deputy Town Clerk
Janet Coleson, Town Attorney
Jeff Beiswenger, Planning & Building Director
Kristin Arnold, Public Works Director
Rico Tabaranza, Police Chief
Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Hybrid meeting at the Fairfax Women’s Club and via Zoom Pledge of Allegiance:
Mayor Blash led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda:
Vice Mayor Hellman made a motion to amend the agenda by moving the "Open Time for Public Expression" to follow the presentations.
M/S: Hellman/Blash
AYES: Blash, Hellman, Coler, Egger, Ghiringhelli
NOES: None
Mayor Blash read the land acknowledgement and meeting protocol.
REPORT OUT ON CLOSED SESSION
There was no reportable action from the closed session.
Presentations
Proclamation Recognizing Mayor Lisel Blash for Her Service Vice Mayor Hellman presented a proclamation honoring Mayor Lisel Blash for her exemplary service and leadership. The proclamation highlighted Mayor Blash's 13 years as a Fairfax resident, her involvement with Sustainable Fairfax, her role in creating "Streets for People," her analytical thinking, and her empathetic leadership style. It noted her service on multiple regional and local committees including the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority, Ross Valley Paramedic Authority, and others.
Vice Mayor Hellman presented Mayor Blash with a plaque quoting Barney Frank: "Government is simply the name we give to the things we choose to do together." Mayor Blash thanked the Council, expressing that while the past year had been challenging, she cherished the spirited conversations about local government and the impact of state and federal policies. She emphasized the importance of civic engagement and referenced reaching for wonder when people disagree, encouraging listening to all perspectives. She expressed commitment to continuing to serve Fairfax residents and improving communication between elected officials and residents.
Vice Mayor Hellman opened public comment.
• A speaker commended Mayor Blash and other council members for their service and acknowledged Mayor Blash’s work.
• Jody Timms expressed appreciation for Mayor Blash and acknowledged the challenges she faced.
• Mimi Newton echoed previous speakers, remarking on Mayor Blash’s resilience and grace. • Stephen Sulmeyer spoke about binding up the Town’s wounds and rebuilding intentionally, suggesting hiring a professional to assist with effective communication. • Nancy Clothier thanked Mayor Blash for her work and echoed the previous speaker’s comments.
• Marlene thanked Mayor Blash and echoed the need for non-violent communication training. • Michael Rosenthal echoed the previous speaker’s comments and noted Mayor Blash’s support for the community.
• A speaker thanked Mayor Blash, quoted the Grateful Dead, and remarked on her character. • A speaker thanked Mayor Blash for always being polite. • Wendy spoke about Mayor Blash’s growth and wished her the best. • Chris Kenton noted Mayor Blash’s incredible work and dedication and thanked her. • Mark Vendetti thanked Mayor Blash for her work and acknowledged her level of involvement in the community.
• A speaker shared a personal experience and highlighted Mayor Blash’s influence. • PJ Feffer thanked Mayor Blash for her focus and commitment. • Todd Greenberg thanked Mayor Blash for her service and noted that 46% of voters disagreed with Mayor Blash’s conduct and spoke about the Town’s budget. • Dorothy thanked Mayor Blash for her work.
• A speaker expressed confusion for the previous speakers’ comments and spoke about aggression.
• Renee highlighted Mayor Blash’s courage and leadership. • Cindy thanked Mayor Blash and acknowledged her time and effort in her work and correspondence.
• Naomi highlighted Mayor Blash’s thoughtful, kind, and informed leadership. • Eva agreed with previous speakers and shared a personal experience. • Chance thanked Mayor Blash for her leadership and grace.
Regular Agenda
1. Adopt a Resolution Reciting the Fact of the General Election held on November 4, 2025, Declaring the Result and Such Other Matters as Provided by Law Town Clerk presented the resolution certifying the November 4, 2025 election results, which had been certified by the Marin County Board of Supervisors the previous day. The resolution was included as a supplement to the staff report.
Mayor Blash opened public comment.
• A speaker spoke about when Council Members Egger and Ghiringhelli were elected. • Todd Greenberg commented on election results and other public comments submitted on this item.
• Chris Kenton spoke about the voice of the Town’s vote and asked that the Town move forward. • PJ Feffer echoed the previous speaker’s comments and refuted another speaker’s comments. • Dorothy spoke about being thankful for the election results. • Eva spoke about representative democracies.
Mayor Blash closed public comment.
Motion to adopt a resolution reciting the fact of the general election held on November 4, 2025, declaring the result in such other matters as provided by law.
M/S: Ghiringhelli/Coler
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: None
2. Reorganization of the Town Council: Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor Deputy Clerk Foster explained that the Council has complete discretion in selecting which of its members will fill the positions of Mayor and Vice Mayor.
Mayor Blash opened public comment.
• Mimi Newton recommended Council Member Coler be selected for the Vice Mayor role. • A speaker suggested musical chairs to select a Mayor and Vice Mayor. • A speaker recalled the 2025 Mayor and Vice Mayor selection and urged the Council to select Council Members Ghiringhelli and Egger for the positions. • Todd Greenberg urged the Council to not select Vice Mayor Hellman for Mayor and discussed his opinion of what is right and fair.
• A speaker commented on Council Members’ conduct from the dais and expressed support for Vice Mayor Hellman and Council Member Coler.
• Jody Timms expressed support for Vice Mayor Hellman and Council Member Coler. • PJ Feffer voiced support for all Council Members, cited election results, and noted that everyone has to work together.
• Rick Hamer supported Vice Mayor Hellman for Mayor and Council Member Egger for Vice Mayor.
• Larry Bragman supported Council Member Egger for Vice Mayor, citing the 95 Broadway development.
• Chance Cutrano supported Vice Mayor Hellman for Mayor and Council Member Egger for Vice Mayor.
• Chris Kenton expressed a need for council members to work together and focus on the people’s business.
• A speaker supported Council Member Egger for Vice Mayor. • Dorothy supported Vice Mayor Hellman for Mayor and both Council members Coler and Egger for the Vice Mayor.
• Pamela supported Council Member Egger for Vice Mayor.
Mayor Blash closed public comment.
Council discussion followed, with members expressing various views on who should serve.
Councilmembers supported Stephanie Hellman for Mayor and emphasized the importance of council members working collaboratively with staff and each other.
Motion to appoint Vice Mayor Stephanie Hellman to Mayor.
M/S: Coler /Blash
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: None
Discussion continued regarding the Vice Mayor position. Councilmember Ghiringhelli motioned to appoint Frank Egger as Vice Mayor, citing his experience and connection to the town. Mayor Hellman questioned whether Councilmember Egger would commit to meeting regularly with staff, which she viewed as essential to the role. Councilmember Egger indicated he would attend agenda-planning meetings when called.
Motion to appoint Councilmember Frank Egger as Vice Mayor.
M/S: Ghiringhelli/Egger
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Hellman, Blash
NOES: Coler
Following the vote, the Council took a brief break to allow for reorganization of seating on the dais.
Open Time for Public Expression
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to Public Expression.
• Sierra Salin expressed concerns about the proposed School Street Plaza building, urging residents to get involved and emphasized the need for affordable housing but not at the expense of the community's future.
• Ethan, a Fairfax native, addressed statements from a previous meeting claiming homelessness is not a housing issue, citing multiple research sources indicating housing affordability is a primary cause of homelessness.
• Michael Rosenthal commended town staff for their helpfulness, sharing an anecdote about staff assisting an elderly resident with a county-related issue. • Jody Timms, from the Fairfax Climate Action Committee, thanked the Council for supporting the implementation of the town's 2030 Climate Action Plan. She demonstrated an induction burner that residents can borrow from the Fairfax library and mentioned a new option for backyard solar panels.
• A speaker expressed support for selecting Council Member Egger as Vice Mayor. • Todd Greenberg thanked the council for their work on the homeless encampment, asked that modifications be made to the agenda, and asked for goals from Mayor Hellman. • Romario Conrado spoke about the thankless work of politicians and commented on the lack of collaboration among certain council members.
• Deborah Benson expressed support for the new timer, for selecting Council Member Egger as Vice Mayor, and then shared a personal experience about blame. • A speaker supported Council Member Egger being selected as Vice Mayor and spoke about signs that are needed on the Wall Property.
• Eva commented on the recall and the actions she witnessed from both sides. • Cindy echoed a previous speaker’s comments regarding the 95 Broadway development and urged the council to stick to issues directly related to Fairfax. • PJ Feffer commented on the relation between the repeal of rent control and the 95 Broadway development.
Mayor Hellman closed Public Expression.
3. Adopt Two Resolutions (1) Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute a Third Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement between the Town and Fairchild Broms Design, and (2) a Lease Agreement between the Town and the Property Owners of 21 Park Road for the Fire Station 21 Remodel Project
Public Works Director Kristen Arnold presented the Fire Station 21 remodel project. She explained that the first resolution would amend the agreement with Fairchild Broms Design to provide architect services through permitting, bidding, and construction. The amendment would add $84,996 to the agreement, bringing the total to just under $158,000. These costs were accounted for in the project cost estimate presented at the October 15 Council meeting.
The second resolution concerned leasing 21 Park Road as temporary office space for five town employees who would be displaced from the community center when it temporarily houses fire personnel during the remodel. The monthly rent would be $3,500 for an initial 10-month agreement, totaling $35,000, which was also included in the previously presented cost estimate.
Jessica Fairchild of Fairchild Broms Design joined via Zoom to answer questions. She explained that the architectural services for the construction phase were not included in the original agreement by request. Councilmember Coler expressed concern about this approach to project management.
Staff confirmed they were working to stay within the $1.6 million budget, which included a contingency of over 10%. They also mentioned that a construction manager might be hired as part of a potential fourth amendment, which was also accounted for in the budget.
Council discussion included questions about construction timeline, temporary accommodations for public restrooms at the community center, and parking arrangements at the rented property.
Public comment included a suggestion to create a project webpage with all contracts and related materials.
Mayor Hellman opened public comment.
• A speaker volunteered resources for the project to help the town save money. • Todd Greenberg asked for clarification about details in the staff report and asked for a copy of the lease.
Mayor Hellman closed public comment.
Motion to adopt two resolutions: (1) authorizing the Town Manager to execute a third amendment to the professional services agreement between the Town and Fairchild Broms Design, and (2) a lease agreement between the Town and the property owners of 21 Park Road for the Fire Station 21 remodel project.
M/S: Coler/Blash
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
NOES: None
4. Consideration of an Urgency Ordinance of the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax Amending Chapter 17.048 (Residential Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units) of the Fairfax Town Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units to Comply with Recent Changes in State Law, and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from CEQA under Public Resources Code § 21080.17 Planning Director Jeff Beiswenger presented changes to the town's ADU and JADU regulations required by recent state law changes. The urgency ordinance was needed because if not adopted by January 1, 2026, the town would lose local control and default to state regulations only. Key changes included allowing ADUs to be built before the main house in declared emergencies, prohibiting JADUs from being used as short-term rentals, changing how square footage is calculated, and clarifying rules for combining different types of ADUs on the same lot.
Town Attorney Janet Coleson explained that this "belt and suspenders" approach allows the town to maintain local customizations while complying with state law. The urgency ordinance would take immediate effect, and then the ordinance would go through the normal planning process with public hearings.
During discussion, Councilmember Coler noted that the ordinance contained an error regarding shortterm rental restrictions for ADUs. State law only changed regulations for JADUs, not ADUs, but the draft ordinance applied new restrictions to both unit types. Planning Director Beiswenger proposed specific language changes to correct this issue.
Mayor Hellman opened public comment.
• A speaker commented on the short notice provided to the public to provide input on this item. • Todd Greenberg echoed the previous speaker’s comments and asked for clarity on state rules.
Mayor Hellman closed public comment.
Motion to adopt the urgency ordinance of the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax amending Chapter
17.048 residential accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units of the Fairfax town code relating to accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units to comply with recent changes in state law and finding the action to be statutorily exempt from CEQA under public resources code section 21080.17, and with the supplement and the change that was read out on page 7 number 4 rental term.
M/S: Coler/Egger
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
NOES: None
5. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Purchase and Outfit One Police Department Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) for an amount not to exceed $75,000 Police Chief Rico Tabaranza and Sergeant Eric Conrado presented the need for a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) for the Police Department. The primary purpose would be to patrol and respond to calls on the recently acquired Wall property, which has challenging terrain that the existing police fleet cannot safely navigate, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Chief Tabaranza explained the UTV would allow for safe transport of patients or detained individuals from the property and would also serve multiple other uses including storm and flooding response, monitoring trails and steep hillsides, and enforcing the town's anti-camping ordinances.
Council members asked numerous questions about the vehicle's specifications, storage location, use cases, insurance coverage, and whether similar vehicles existed in other nearby jurisdictions.
Councilmember Coler expressed concern about the vehicle being used primarily to respond to emergencies in San Anselmo, which has more open space but a different police service model. Chief Tabaranza assured that while the UTV would be available for mutual aid, it was primarily intended to serve Fairfax.
Waive the 10:00 p.m. Rule
Motion to waive the 10:00 p.m. rule.
M/S: Coler/Egger
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: None
Mayor Hellman opened public comment.
• A speaker supported the purchase of this utility terrain vehicle and asked that the UTV be amortized, and that mutual aid income go to the Police Department. • Todd Greenberg asked about cost sharing instead of reimbursement for mutual aid.
Mayor Hellman closed public comment.
Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the Town Manager to purchase and outfit one police department utility terrain vehicle UTV for an amount not to exceed $75,000 and to appropriate $75,000 from the field equipment vehicle equipment fund 03-923-921 for this purchase, and to pursue shared expenses after the purchase.
M/S: Coler/Ghiringhelli
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
NOES: None
Consent Calendar
a) Receive Financial Statement and Disbursement Reports for October 2025 b) Receive report on Councilmembers’ assignments, committees, and activities in November 2025 c) Approve Minutes from the October 15, 2025 Town Council Meeting d) Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Fairfax Town Code Chapter 12.36 Amending Park Rules e) Adopt Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Marin Municipal Water District Regarding Collaboration and Enforcement of Regional Conservation Programs
f) Supplement to Agenda Item 6.e
g) Reappoint Bruce Ackerman to the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito Vector Control District Board of Directors
h) Proclamation Recognizing Department of Public Works Maintenance Worker John Tierney on his Retirement
i) Appoint the Climate Action Coordinator to the Board of the Hazardous and Solid Waste Joint Powers Agreement County of Marin (“Zero Waste Marin”) as an alternate. j) Authorize the Mayor to Sign a Letter of Support for AB 762 to Ban Single-Use Vapes Mayor Hellman opened public comment.
• Todd Greenberg asked to pull items 6a, 6d, and 6f for further discussion and asked questions. • A speaker asked that members of the public be allowed to pull items off consent for further discussion.
Mayor Hellman closed public comment.
Motion to approve the consent calendar.
M/S: Blash/Coler
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
NOES: None
Future Agenda Items
Town Manager Abrams mentioned upcoming agenda items including:
• A presentation and model ordinance on minimum prices for vapes and tobacco products • A presentation on the recent gas tax audit
• Quarterly reports
Announcements
Several upcoming events were highlighted, including:
• Winter Fair (December 13)
• Craft Fair (December 14)
• Chanukkah Celebration (December 18)
• Ross Valley Fire Department Toy Drive
• Councilmember Blash mentioned that the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee would be tabling at the Good Earth and the Craft Fair, encouraging residents to fill out their survey on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
The Town Manager also noted that John Tierney, a long-time Public Works employee, had retired and would be honored privately as he preferred not to have a public presentation.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:30 p.m.