1 November 5, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
AGENDA ITEM 4.c
DRAFT
Fairfax Town Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Fairfax Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax, CA
and via teleconference November 5, 2025
Call to Order/Roll Call:
Mayor Blash called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:31 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
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 Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Blash led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda:
Motion to approve the agenda.
M/S: Coler/Ghiringhelli
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler , Hellman, Mayor Blash NOES: None
Mayor Blash read the land acknowledgement, acknowledging that the Council is located on the unceded ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok people of present-day Marin County.
Mayor Blash read the meeting protocol, emphasizing respectful behavior to facilitate the conduct of the people's business and encourage civil engagement. She noted clapping is acceptable for celebratory items like proclamations. The Council will review the agenda at 10 p.m., and any matter not started by 11:30 p.m. will be continued unless the Council votes to suspend this rule.
Report Out on Closed Session
No report was given on the closed session.
Presentations
1. Present Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Executive Certificate to Chief Tabaranza
Lisa Holton, Law Enforcement Consultant for Region 1 of California Peace Officers Standards and Training, presented the POST Executive Certificate to Chief Rico Tabaranza. 2 November 5, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
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Chief Tabaranza expressed his thanks and accepted the certificate on behalf of the Fairfax Police Department, acknowledging the support of the Council, Town staff, and the men and women of the Fairfax Police Department.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
• Geoff Bolt spoke about Chief Tabaranza's leadership during the annual parade. • Michael Mackintosh spoke in support of Chief Tabaranza and the police department. • Mallory Geitheim expressed appreciation for Chief Tabaranza and the police department. • PJ Feffer spoke in support of Chief Tabaranza.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
2. Receive Presentation on Wildfire Evacuations in Fairfax Fire Chief Dan Mahoney, Mark Brown from Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority, and Steven Torrance from the Office of Emergency Management presented on wildfire evacuations.
Chief Mahoney introduced the new Wildfire Preparedness Coordinator, Nicole Marcucci, funded through MWPA. He discussed alert and warning systems, evacuation drills, community evacuation maps, parking best practices, defensible space inspections, and Firewise communities. Chief Mahoney reported that only 49% of Fairfax residents are signed up for Alert Marin and encouraged more participation in evacuation drills.
Mark Brown presented evacuation strategies, including the importance of signing up for Alert Marin, maintaining situational awareness during red flag warnings, and evacuation protocols. He emphasized that evacuees should go downhill even if fire is below them, stay in their vehicles during evacuation, and avoid using fire roads. Mr. Brown shared that the Ladris AI traffic modeling tool helps plan evacuations by identifying likely traffic congestion points.
Steven Torrance discussed alert and warning systems improvements, emergency communications, and planning efforts between agencies.
Council members posed questions and comments related to the topic.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
• Michael Mackintosh asked about potentially using the Marin Town and Country Club as an evacuation site.
• Andrew Newell asked about Alert Marin verification and tree removal challenges. • Valerie expressed concerns about Fairfax's limited evacuation routes. • Todd Greenberg suggested partnering with MMWD to improve fire flow during pipeline projects.
• Jenny Schmidt commented on the complexity of evacuation planning. • PJ Feffer emphasized the importance of maintaining redundant systems. • Steven raised concerns about electric vehicles during evacuations and coordination with neighboring communities.
• Matt commented on fuel reduction needs.
• Richard asked about town risk classifications.
• Ariel Strauss commented on AB 747 compliance for evacuation planning. • Deb Benson commented on PG&E's approach to fire prevention.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
3. Receive Presentation on Pacific Gas & Electric Company Reliability Report 3 November 5, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
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Mark Van Gorder from PG&E presented on the company's reliability efforts, including Enhanced Power Line Safety Settings (EPSS), reliability improvements, and vegetation management. He provided data showing how EPSS has helped prevent potential wildfire ignitions, explained differences between EPSS and Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and shared outage statistics for Fairfax. He also discussed PG&E's financial assistance programs for customers.
Council members posed questions and comments related to the topic.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
• Michael Mackintosh shared an experience regarding a large, unexpected bill from PG&E. • A speaker commented on a new smart meter program that accommodates generator connection.
• Todd Greenberg asked about undergrounding power lines in Fairfax. • John Fitzpatrick expressed support for PG&E.
• A speaker asked about power lines in tubes as an alternative to underground. • Ariel Strauss clarified that PG&E does not require PUC approval to underground lines, but only to charge customers for the work.
• Deb Benson commented on PG&E's approach to fire prevention costs.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
Open Time for Public Expression
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
• John Fitzpatrick requested downtown bathrooms and additional parking. • Ricky Hertz commented on housing issues related to the School Street Plaza dispensary. • Mark Bell commented on the Brown Act and the recall election. • A speaker expressed appreciation for the meeting's civil tone and suggested the Council work together on state housing mandates.
• A speaker commented on the atmosphere at public events. • Chris Kenton announced the formation of Open Fairfax, a new organization to help residents access public records and become informed on civic issues. • Michael Mackintosh commented on public decorum at different venues. • Todd Greenberg commented on the timing of closed session meetings and legal billings. • Ariel Strauss discussed School Street project compliance issues. • PJ Feffer commented on democratic participation and voter turnout. • Cindy Ross recognized Veterans Day and shared a personal story. • Naomi Schultz expressed concerns about a Halloween display targeting Council members.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
BREAK
Mayor Blash called for a break at 9:18 p.m., and thereafter, the Council reconvened the Regular meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Regular Agenda
4. Conduct a Public Hearing and Adopt Ordinance 899 to Amend Chapter 8.04 of the Fairfax Town Code and Adopt the 2025 California Fire Code, portions of the 2024 International Fire Code with Certain Local Amendments and Additions
Staff presented the ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code, which includes three proposed changes: increasing vertical clearance requirements over fire lanes from 13'6" to 15', 4 November 5, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
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removing an exception for emergency responder communication systems in certain buildings, and adopting Appendix D for fire apparatus access roads which establishes county-wide consistency for development standards and emergency response requirements.
Mayor Blash opened the public hearing.
Council members discussed enforcement for clearance of some upper hillside neighborhood roads. • Michael Mackintosh expressed support for the fire department. • Todd Greenberg asked about fire code provisions related to homeless encampments.
Mayor Blash closed the public hearing.
Motion to adopt Ordinance 899 to amend Chapter 8.04 of the Fairfax Town Code and adopt the 2025 California Fire Code, portions of the 2024 International Fire Code with certain local amendments and additions.
M/S: Hellman/Ghiringhelli
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: None
5. Conduct a Public Hearing and Adopt Ordinance 900 to Amend Chapter 8.06 of the Fairfax Town Code and Adopt the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code and 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code with Certain Local Amendments and Additions
Staff presented the ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, which includes three proposed changes: amending Chapter 4, Section 431.3 to raise the imposed fire lane design load to 75,000 pounds; amending Chapter 6, 602.3.1 requiring location of emergency water supplies included in fire protection plans; and amending Chapter 6, 602.3.2 requiring location of fire protection systems or equipment and power sources in fire protection plans.
Mayor Blash opened the public hearing.
• Michael Mackintosh asked about the weight of fire trucks. • Todd Greenberg asked about coordination with MMWD for enhanced fire flows.
Mayor Blash closed the public hearing.
Chief Mahoney confirmed that fire apparatus stopping force is 72,000-75,000 pounds, meeting Caltrans standards for roadway design.
Motion to adopt Ordinance 900 to amend Chapter 8.06 of the Fairfax Town Code and adopt the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code and 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code with certain local amendments and additions.
M/S: Coler/Hellman
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: None
6. Conduct a Public Hearing and Adopt Ordinance 901 adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, including the 2025 California Administrative Code, the 2025 California Building Code, the 2025 California Residential Code, the 2025 California Electrical Code, the 2025 California Mechanical Code, the 2025 California Plumbing Code, the 2025 California Energy Code, the 2025 California Historical Building Code, the 2025 California Existing Building Code, the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, and the 2025 California Referenced Standards Code, with Local Amendments, and the 2024 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code 5 November 5, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes AGENDA
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Staff presented the ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code with the Town's existing reach code amendments, noting that under AB 130 there is a moratorium on new residential amendments until 2031, except for those already in effect or meeting specific exemptions. Fairfax's Reach code amendments qualify as they are substantially similar to those adopted in 2022. Staff highlighted that this ordinance encompasses a wide range of building codes, including the 2025 California Administrative Code, Residential Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, and the Historical Building Code, among others. The ordinances ensure that the town remains compliant with updated state standards while preserving local amendments that promote sustainability and resilience.
During the meeting, council members discussed the potential cost implications of these reach code amendments for building and remodeling projects. Staff responded that the amendments have been designed with flexibility via the "flex path" program, allowing residents to balance cost-effectiveness with compliance, potentially minimizing extra expenses. Furthermore, staff also mentioned that the reach code amendments include hardship exemptions for cases where compliance is infeasible, unsafe, or conflicts with historic preservation standards.
Council and public feedback highlighted supporting housing affordability. The amendments adopted under this ordinance reflect community priorities for sustainable building practices, aligning with broader state legislative efforts towards a more environmentally conscious future.
Mayor Blash opened the public hearing.
• Todd Greenberg expressed concerns about cost and suggested raising the threshold from 200 to 350-400 square feet for when the requirements would apply. • Deborah Benson expressed support for Mark Lockaby, the Building Official.
Mayor Blash closed the public hearing.
Motion to adopt Ordinance 901 adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24) including the 2025 California Administrative Code, the 2025 California Building Code, the 2025 California Residential Code, the 2025 California Electrical Code, the 2025 California Mechanical Code, the 2025 California Plumbing Code, the 2025 California Energy Code, the 2025 California Historical Building Code, the 2025 California Existing Building Code, the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, and the 2025 California Referenced Standards Codes with local amendments and the 2024 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code, including the supplement.
M/S: Hellman/Coler
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Mayor Blash
NOES: None
Waive the 10:00 p.m. Rule
Motion to waive the 10:00 p.m. rule.
M/S: Coler/Hellman
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: None
7. Adopt a Resolution Containing Rules for Use of the Town's Parks; Introduce and Waive First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Town Code Chapter 12.36 Staff presented a resolution establishing park rules and an ordinance amending Chapter 12.36 to remove provisions that are no longer needed due to the adoption of the anti-camping ordinance.
The resolution included provisions such as "no alcoholic beverages" and "dogs must be leashed," with assistance dogs excepted. The Council discussed adding two additional rules: "No open fires except in town provided barbecues" and "Tennis only on town's tennis courts." The Council talked about signage in the parks and the importance of posting these new rules in case future 6 November 5, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes
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modifications are needed for specific areas, as well as the advantages of managing the rules via resolution, which can be updated more easily than ordinances. Concerns were raised about ensuring proper signage to avoid any enforcement issues, and there were discussions about whether community input should be sought on park rules.
Barbara Coler suggested seeking neighborhood input on park rules.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
• Michael Mackintosh supported restricting fires to town-provided barbecues. • Todd Greenberg commented on the need for signage in parks. • Deborah Benson recommended more community outreach on park rules.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
Motion to adopt a resolution containing rules for the use of town's parks, with the two changes requested (no open fires except in town provided barbecues, and tennis only on town's tennis courts), and introduce and waive first reading of an ordinance amending town code chapter 12.36 to remove provisions that are no longer needed due to adoption of the anti-camping ordinance in chapter 9.3.
M/S: Coler/Ghiringhelli
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Cohler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: None
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 Egger requested removal items a, b and f.
Items Remaining on the Consent Calendar:
c. Receive Recreation's Quarterly Report
d. Receive report on Councilmembers' assignments, committees, and activities in October 2025
e. Approve Minutes from the September 30, 2025 Town Council Meeting g. Authorize the Town Manager to Pay Fairfax's Contribution of $37,861.77 to the Marin Countywide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (MCSTOPPP) Baseline Program for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
h. Reappoint Geoff Bolt to the Open Space Committee
i. Adopt a Proclamation Recognizing Native American Heritage Month j. Adopt a Proclamation Recognizing Scent Sensitivity
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
• Todd Greenberg commented on proclamation item i, suggesting recognition of Italian and Irish contributions.
• Michael Mackintosh suggested allowing members of the public to pull consent items. • Cindy Ross appreciated the Scent Sensitivity proclamation.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
Motion to approve the remaining consent calendar items. 7 November 5, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes AGENDA
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M/S: Coler/Egger
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Items Removed from the Consent Calendar:
a. Receive Financial Statement and Disbursement Reports for September 2025 Councilmember Egger asked questions about various financial items, including tree service costs, legal bills, and certain vendor payments.
The Finance Director provided explanations regarding how legal expenses are categorized in the budget, with general services under the Town Attorney line item and litigation costs under nondepartmental expenses.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
• Todd Greenberg emphasized the need for transparent processes and requested reconsolidating legal costs and expressed concerns about budgeting for the Town Attorney. • Michael Mackintosh expressed support for public inclusion and transparency in financial discussions.
• Deborah Benson questioned certain expenditure reporting, vendor disbursements and costs related to town minutes preparation.
This was an informational item only; no vote was required.
Motion to receive Financial Statement and Disbursement Reports for September 2025.
M/S: Coler/Egger
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
f. Adopt a Resolution Establishing the Regular Council Meeting Dates for the Months of January, April, and July 2026 and Confirm the 2026 Regular Meeting Calendar A concern was raised about gaps between some meetings; however, it was explained that scheduling conflicts with other boards and religious holidays were factors influencing such gaps. It was proposed that moving the July 15 meeting to July 1 could better fit the regular meeting schedule. While there were suggestions to increase the frequency to bi-monthly meetings for enhanced public engagement, it was emphasized that efforts were being made to reduce gaps and align schedules with commitments to other boards like the Ross Valley Fire Board.
Mayor Blash opened the meeting to public comment.
• Michael Mackintosh expressed concerns about the council members’ input on the item and lack of interactions with staff, suggesting that variations in meeting schedules limit public participation.
• Todd Greenberg commented on similar scheduling concerns. He expressed a desire for staff to meet with all council members.
Responses from both the Mayor and Vice Mayor stressed the importance of pre-meeting preparation for council members and requested that council members meet with town staff to go over packet details to keep public meetings efficient.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
Motion to adopt the proposed schedule with the exception of changing the July meeting to July 1, 2026.
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M/S: Coler/Egger
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman, Blash
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Noted as Absent: Vice Mayor Hellman was noted as absent from the meeting at 11:27 p.m. b. Receive Treasurer’s Quarterly Report
During the meeting, the report was pulled by Councilmember Egger for discussion. However, Councilmember Egger recanted his desire to make remarks on the item.
This was an informational item only; no vote was required. • Michael Mackintosh spoke about a public records request he recently submitted regarding general ledgers and his ability to generate reports.
• Todd Greenberg pointed out legal costs and suggested improvements.
Mayor Blash closed the meeting to public comment.
Waive the 11:30 p.m. Rule
Motion to waive the 11:30 p.m. rule
M/S: Coler/Blash, rule.
AYES: Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Blash
NOES: None
ABSENT: Hellman
COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council reports and comments are included in the consent calendar.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
● Review of smoking ordinance
● Formula business ordinance
● Dark sky ordinance
● Fee waiver for home hardening activities
● Review of Objective Design Standards
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
Town Manager Abrams gave the following report:
● Police Sergeant Cade secured a grant of $5,700 for accident reporting statistics ● The Town recovered $600,000 plus an additional $10,000 for the 195 Pine issue ● Fairfax PD collected 235.9 pounds of unwanted medication on Take Back Day ● 4,877 pounds of e-waste was diverted during the same event ● The Countywide Veterans Day event is scheduled for November 11 ● The Children's Center health fair was rescheduled to November 19 ● The next Council meeting is scheduled for December 3
● Approximately 425 Fairfax residents have lost SNAP benefits due to federal issues, and local resources are being publicized
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned in memory of Mark Milberg, Edith Elaine Sorensen, Kathleen Jean (Dowling) Saia, Sebastian D Saia, and Mary Newton at approximately 11:52 p.m.