Town Council Meeting | Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Fairfax Town Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Fairfax Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax, CA
and via teleconference Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Call to Order/Roll Call:
Mayor Hellman called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Stephanie Hellman, Mayor
Frank Egger, Vice Mayor
Barbara Coler
Michael Ghiringhelli
Lisel Blash
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Heather Abrams, Town Manager
Michael Vivrette, Finance Director
Janet Coleson, Town Attorney, Public Agency Law
Janabai Owens Deputy Town Clerk
Michael Vivrette, Finance Director
Kristin Arnold, Director of Public Works
Jeff Beiswenger, Planning Director
Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Hybrid meeting at the Fairfax Women’s Club and via Zoom.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Hellman led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda
Council Member Coler requested to continue Item 6e to a future meeting date.
Motion to approve the agenda with the continuance of Item 6e.
M/S: Coler/Blash
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
NOES: None
Land Acknowledgement
Mayor Hellman 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.
Meeting Protocol
Mayor Hellman read the meeting protocol. The Council will review the agenda at 9:30 p.m., and meetings will adjourn no later than 11:00 p.m.
Town Council Meeting | Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Announcements
Mayor Hellman announced that the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council would hold a workshop on Saturday at noon in the meeting room to discuss the bicycle pedestrian advisory plan and cyclist and pedestrian safety.
Town Manager’s Report
Town Manager Abrams reported on several matters, including:
• Implementation of the Town’s new business license software system and upcoming Business License Audit.
• Progress on the Fire Station 21 remodel project.
• Coordination with Marin Municipal Water District regarding the Bolinas Road pipeline replacement project.
• Follow-up from the Council’s strategic planning retreat, noting staff will focus on priority projects. • Updates to the dark sky ordinance and open space element will proceed at a slower pace while priority projects are addressed.
Future Agenda Items
No future agenda items were discussed.
Presentations
1. Maria Baird Proclamation
Mayor Hellman presented a proclamation recognizing Maria Baird for 20 years of service to the Town of Fairfax in Recreation and Community Services. The proclamation highlighted her contributions to community events including the spring egg hunt, crafts fair, town picnic, concerts, and holiday celebrations, as well as her support of the Parks and Recreation Commission and collaboration with community organizations.
Maria Baird thanked the Council, staff, and community members for their support and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the Fairfax community.
Councilmembers expressed appreciation for Baird’s contributions to community events and programs.
2. Marin Water Project Presentation
Alex Anaya, Engineering Director, and Zachary Talbott, Engineering Manager of Design for Marin Municipal Water District, presented information regarding the upcoming Bolinas Road pipeline replacement project. The project involves replacing aging cast iron water pipeline infrastructure with modern welded steel pipe from Deer Park Villa to Broadway.
The presenters explained the project would replace approximately 4,300 feet of pipeline and associated service laterals and hydrant connections. The project is expected to increase fire flow capacity and reduce water loss from leaks. Construction is anticipated to begin in April and conclude in September 2026.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
Town Council Meeting | Wednesday, March 4, 2026
• Doug Kelly, Ross Valley Sanitary District (RVSD), explained the coordination between RVSD and Marin Water and described their upcoming capacity enhancement project. • Michael Mackintosh expressed concerns about transparency in the planning process. • Karen Marks from the Fairfax Farmers Market requested consideration for the Wednesday farmers market that begins May 6.
• Todd Greenberg urged coordination with PG&E to replace aging gas lines concurrently with the water project.
• Deb London from the Coffee Roastery expressed concerns about water shutdowns for food service businesses and discussed parklet relocation.
• Kathy Flores raised issues regarding potential impacts on local traffic and business operations. • Minna Kim from the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce highlighted the necessity of maintaining support for local businesses during the construction period. • Mark Bell asked questions about paving requirements and project scheduling.
Director Ranjiv Khush from the Marin Municipal Water District, assured the public that concerns would be addressed and questions answered.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Councilmembers posed questions regarding project coordination, scheduling, and potential impacts to businesses and residents. Marin Municipal Water District representatives stated that a detailed project FAQ would be developed for the project website.
3. Independent Financial Audit
Whitney Crockett, Audit Partner with Maze & Associates, presented the independent financial audit for Fiscal Year 2024–2025 via Zoom. She reported an unmodified and clean audit opinion, indicating the Town’s financial statements fairly present the Town’s financial position in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The presentation included a summary of financial statement results, including increases in capital assets and an improved net position related to changes in pension and post-employment benefit liabilities.
Mayor Hellman noted an issue with the framing of a statistic in the management discussion and analysis section, the auditor confirmed that clarifications would be made in the final document.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Michael Mackintosh asked questions regarding the planning process • Mark Bell commented on forensic accounting, infrastructure projects, and best practices for periodic auditor rotation.
• Todd Greenberg asked questions regarding legal expenses and financial reporting.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Town Council Meeting | Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Council members posed questions regarding internal financial controls, credit card oversight, and financial reporting procedures. The auditor confirmed that internal control testing identified no exceptions.
Break
Mayor Hellman called for a break at 8:38 p.m. and thereafter, reconvened at 8:45 p.m.
4. Mid-Year Budget Review for Fiscal Year 2025–2026
Finance Director Vivrette presented the mid-year budget review. Revenues are projected to exceed the adopted budget by approximately $164,000 and expenditures are projected to be under budget by approximately $408,000. The projected savings would reduce the need for transfers from reserves.
The presentation included updates on revenue trends, department expenditures, and capital improvement projects including the Park Road storm drain improvements and Fire Station 21 remodel project.
Councilmembers discussed the budget projections and posed questions related to departmental expenses, project timelines, and financial planning.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Michael Mackintosh requested clarification regarding budget projections and fiscal emergency declarations.
• Todd Greenberg questioned parking enforcement and sales tax revenue projections within the budget report.
• Guy Norenius asked for clarification on project delays, noting that Public Works Director Arnold has demonstrated competence since assuming the role.
• Mark Bell commented on department expenditures and legal expenses. • Deb London agreed with the previous speaker about the town’s legal costs.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Open Time for Public Expression
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Doug Kelly from the Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers commented on voting procedures and Brown Act compliance.
• Minna Kim from the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce reported on recent community events including the successful Soup Walk.
• Michael McIntosh commented on potential conflicts of interest and requested additional transparency.
• Kathy Flores commented on the interactions between Councilmembers, staff, and public speakers.
• Mark Bell commented on legal costs and litigation matters. • Todd Greenberg discussed Brown Act procedures.
Town Council Meeting | Wednesday, March 4, 2026
• Deb London discussed homelessness and requested consideration of additional signage and regulations.
• A Fit Lab employee discussed homelessness in the downtown area. • Ric Hamer discussed transparency during the meeting and noted an incorrectly linked document on the meeting page.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Council Members thanked staff for maintaining a strong budget position and asked questions about project delays, hiring costs, disaster preparedness expenses, various budget line items and federal stimulus funds as well as clarifying the status of Park Rules signs.
Regular Agenda
1. Adopt Three Resolutions Calling for a Special Election to Extend the Term of and Increase the Measure C Sales Tax
Town Manager Abrams presented the item regarding Measure C, the Town’s current three-quarter percent sales tax scheduled to expire March 31, 2027. The proposed measure would increase the tax to one percent and remove the sunset provision. The item also included resolutions requesting election consolidation and establishing procedures for ballot arguments.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Doug Kelly commented regarding a potential sunset clause. • Michael Mackintosh commented regarding taxation and economic impacts. • Todd Greenberg opposed the proposed measure.
• Mark Bell commented on the timeline for Council consideration. • Jenny Schmidt supported placing the measure before voters. • Deb London opposed the proposed measure.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Councilmembers discussed the proposed measure and posed questions related to election timing, fiscal planning, and potential uses of revenue.
Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-03 submitting to the voters a general tax measure increasing the Town’s transactions and use tax rate from 0.75 percent to 1 percent for the June ballot.
M/S: Coler/Blash
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
NOES: None
Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-04 requesting consolidation of the special municipal election with the statewide primary election.
M/S: Coler/Egger
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
NOES: None
Town Council Meeting | Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-05 establishing procedures for filing ballot arguments.
M/S: Coler/Ghiringhelli
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
NOES: None
Waive the 10:30 p.m. Rule
Motion to waive the 10:30 p.m. rule.
M/S: Coler/Ghiringhelli
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
NOES: None
2. Advisory Measure Regarding Spending Priorities for the Sales Tax Town Attorney Coleson presented the item regarding a potential advisory measure seeking voter direction regarding spending priorities for revenues generated by the sales tax.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Michael Mackintosh supported removing the advisory measure. • Mark Bell commented on spending and the sunset procedures for the tax measure. • Todd Greenberg commented on the tax measure sunset, spending cuts, and potential voter confusion.
• Deb London agreed with previous speakers.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Council members discussed the proposal and expressed concerns regarding potential voter confusion.
Council consensus was to take no action on the item.
3. Fire Station 21 Construction Project
Public Works Director Arnold presented the proposed fourth amendment to the professional services agreement with Fairchild Broms Design to provide construction management services for the Fire Station 21 remodel project, noting the amendment was expected and did not increase the total project cost.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Todd Greenberg commented regarding project costs.
• Michael Mackintosh requested clarification regarding budget allocations. • Mark Bell commented regarding construction costs.
• Deb London commented on the per square foot project expenses.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Town Council Meeting | Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Councilmembers discussed the project and posed questions regarding budgeting and contract administration and the process of allocating the budgeted funds.
Motion to adopt a Resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a fourth amendment to the professional services agreement with Fairchild Broms Design for construction management services in the amount of $80,200.
M/S: Blash/Coler
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
NOES: None
4. Agreement between Town of Fairfax and the Fairfax Festival Committee Town Manager Abrams presented an agreement formalizing the relationship between the Town and the Fairfax Festival Committee regarding fiscal agent services for the 2026 Fairfax Festival.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Michael Mackintosh made suggestions to the Fairfax Festival Committee and commented regarding fiscal oversight.
• Larry Bragman thanked the council and commented on electronic funds and proposed amendments.
• Todd Greenberg commented on the festival’s community value. • Minna Kim from the Chamber of Commerce expressed support for the agreement. • Chelsea Donovan from the Fairfax Festival Committee expressed appreciation for the collaboration.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Council members discussed the agreement and posed questions regarding financial procedures and committee structure to Larry Bragman, representing the Fairfax Festival.
Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the Town Manager to finalize and execute an agreement with the Fairfax Festival Committee for fiscal agent services for the 2026 Fairfax Festival.
M/S: Coler/Egger
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
NOES: None
5. Interim Urgency Ordinance Establishing a Temporary Moratorium on Formula Businesses Planning Director Jeff Beiswenger presented the proposed interim urgency ordinance establishing a 45- day moratorium on formula business entitlements to allow time for updates to the Ordinance and Planning Commission deliberation.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
Town Council Meeting | Wednesday, March 4, 2026
• Deb London commented on conditional use permits, the ministerial review process, and the next opportunity to provide input on a Formula Business Ordinance. • Minna Kim from the Chamber of Commerce expressed support for reviewing the ordinance. • Mark Bell questioned the duration of the moratorium and asked why it’s only for 45 days. • Todd Greenberg commented regarding permitting processes. • Michael Mackintosh commented regarding decision-making authority. • Kathy Flores questioned the process and commented on the urgency of the moratorium.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Councilmembers discussed the proposed moratorium and posed questions regarding the ordinance scope and timeline.
Motion to adopt an interim urgency ordinance placing a 45-day moratorium on formula business entitlements with the Town Attorney’s requested modification to the definition.
M/S: Coler/Blash
AYES: Blash, Coler, Egger, Hellman
NOES: Ghiringhelli
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.
Items Removed from the Consent Calendar:
Mayor Hellman requested removal of Item 6d. Item 6e was continued to a future meeting at Council member Coler’s suggestion.
Mayor Hellman called for a break at 11:40 p.m. and thereafter, reconvened at 11:50 p.m.
Items Remaining on the Consent Calendar:
a. Financial Statement and Disbursement Reports for January 2026 b. Councilmember Reports for February 2026
c. Minutes from the February 4, 2026 Town Council Meeting f. Chamber of Commerce Annual Street Closure Request
g. Women’s History Month Proclamation
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Todd Greenberg commented regarding financial reports and meeting minutes. • Michael Mackintosh commented regarding transparency.
• Minna Kim expressed appreciation for the street closure request. • A member from Fit Lab thanked the Chamber of Commerce for their collaboration. • Kevin Curtis commented regarding the housing progress report timeline.
Town Council Meeting | Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Motion to approve Consent Calendar items a, b, c, f, and g.
M/S: Coler/Ghiringhelli
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
NOES: None
6d. Repeal of Fairfax Town Code Section 5.56.170 and Section 17.110.050 Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Todd Greenberg commented on potential legal implications for the business.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 905 repealing Fairfax Town Code Sections 5.56.170 and 17.110.050 and revising Section 17.110.040(A).
M/S: Coler/Blash
AYES: Blash, Coler, Hellman
NOES: Egger, Ghiringhelli
Council Reports and Comments
Council reports and comments were included in the meeting packet.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:25 a.m. in memory of Dora Hayes, Carol Nielsen, and Jesse Jackson.