Fairfax Town Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Fairfax Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax, CA
and via teleconference Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Hybrid meeting at the Fairfax Women’s Club and via Zoom Call to Order/Roll Call:
Mayor Hellman called the 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
Michael Vivrette, Finance Director
Kristin Arnold, Director of Public Works
Jeff Beiswenger, Planning & Building Services Director
Rico Tabaranza, Chief of Police
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Hellman led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda
M/S: Coler/Ghiringhelli Motion to approve the agenda.
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
Land Acknowledgement
Mayor Hellman read the Land Acknowledgement.
Meeting Protocol
Mayor Hellman read the meeting protocol.
Announcements
Mayor Hellman announced an upcoming driveway evacuation drill scheduled for June 6th at 10 AM, organized by the Citizens Disaster Council to help residents time their preparedness routines. The Mayor also acknowledged the passing of a beloved sequoia in Doc Egger Park and recognized Town Manager Heather Abrams for organizing a tree ceremony. The Mayor reminded the community of the upcoming 46th Annual Fairfax Festival on June 13th and 14th.
Council Member Blash recognized Fairfax resident Gwen Froh, retiring project manager of the Safe Routes to School program, and Michael Shindelis, honored as Crossing Guard of the Year by the Transportation Authority of Marin.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager reported the following:
• The upcoming summer construction downtown involving both the Ross Valley Sanitary District and Marin Water projects;
• A public hearing on Marin Water's Urban Water Management Plan scheduled for June 16th;
• The upcoming bridge work in Cascade Canyon after August 1st; • A Tree Committee meeting on June 22nd to discuss ordinance updates and the memorial garden planned near the Women’s Club;
• The commencement of the Fire Station 21 remodel, with firefighters temporarily relocated to the community center.
Future Agenda Items
Council Member Egger requested that downtown speed limit reductions be addressed. The Town Manager confirmed staff would ensure the item is addressed in the BPAC's recommendations, expected in August or September.
Mayor Hellman announced a planned August agenda item on a municipal microgrid update.
Council Member Coler noted she had initiated contact between staff and Marin Clean Energy regarding the virtual power plant program.
Open Time for Public Expression
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
● Geoff Bolt announced Town bird (Northern Spotted Owl) themed FOSC merchandise will be available to purchase at the Fairfax Festival.
● Sierra Salin voiced concerns about a proposed development in Fairfax. ● Jody Timms expressed support for the electrification transition and the Bay Area Air District's appliance rules.
● Mark Bell commented on conduct at a prior meeting.
● Michael MacIntosh on staff conduct, PRAs and housing policy. ● Todd Greenberg asked for improvements in the banner program and staff responsiveness as well as concerns with staff.
● Kevin Curtis: Followed up on the potential conversion of Sherwood Oaks apartments and its implications for Fairfax's RHNA cycle 6 obligations.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Presentations
1. Proclamation Recognizing Gun Violence Awareness Day
Mayor Hellman read a proclamation declaring the first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the Town of Fairfax, honoring victims and survivors of gun violence. Chief of Police Tabaranza noted that the Fairfax Police Department accepts surrendered firearms and ammunition by appointment and provides free firearm locks at the lobby 24/7.
2. Ross Valley Sanitary District Presentation on the Fairfax Capacity and Creek Crossings Project Phil Benedetti, engineer with the Ross Valley Sanitary District (RVSD), presented on the upcoming Fairfax Capacity and Creek Crossings Project. The project encompasses approximately 5,659 linear feet of sewer rehabilitation and installation, replacement of four creek crossings over Fairfax Creek, and rehabilitation of 23 maintenance holes.
Downtown work is planned to begin June 22nd, with completion anticipated by July 31st. Upstream work is targeted for completion before September 1st to coordinate with the Town's Park Road paving project.
Councilmembers expressed concern about the overlap with the Marin Water project occurring simultaneously, and raised questions about whether the upgraded system could accommodate potential growth from the housing element. The RVSD representative clarified that these capacity increases are needed to prevent overflows due to rain water infiltration, whereas any capacity increases required by new development are evaluated on a site-specific basis and typically borne by developers.
3. Marin Water Presentation On The Bolinas Road Pipeline Replacement Project Alex Anaya, Engineering Director for Marin Water, reported that construction crews had uncovered what were initially identified as possible human remains. Work was immediately halted, the Fairfax Police Department was contacted, and the Marin County Coroner's Office and the Native American Heritage Commission were notified as required by state law. An archaeologist was dispatched and a team was expected on-site within 48 hours. Because the situation remained under review, no updated construction schedule was available. Marin Water committed to communicating a revised schedule to the Town as soon as information becomes available. Town Manager Abrams noted the site is secured and asked the community to be respectful of the location.
Regular Agenda
4. Adopt Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget Finance Director Michael Vivrette introduced the item. The Council proceeded directly to questions, bypassing a full presentation given three prior reviews and public discussions about the FY26-27 Budget. Discussion included: the pending public works labor contract, with a Council Member noting contracts are commonly made retroactive; and a proposal to increase the Town's contribution to the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce from $5,000 to $10,000, which received majority support.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
● Todd Greenberg commented on the "Budget B" scenario in the budget. ● A speaker expressed support for the Chamber's economic development work.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
M/S: Coler/Blash, Motion to adopt the Fiscal Year 2026–27 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget, including the amendment increasing the Chamber of Commerce contribution to $10,000.
AYES: Blash, Coler, Hellman
NOES: Egger, Ghiringhelli
5. Short-Term Rental Update
Motion to continue the Short-Term Rental Update to the July meeting was made by Council Member Coler and seconded by Council Member Blash. The motion carried 5–0.
M/S: Coler/Blash, Motion to continue the Short-Term Rental Update to the July meeting AYES: Blash, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman
Mayor Hellman called for a 5 minute break.
Council Member Coler called for a motion to waive the 10pm rule.
M/S: Coler/ Blash
AYES: Blash, Coler, Hellman
ABSENT: Egger, Ghiringhelli
6. Donation for Sky Ranch Knoll Fairfax in the Bald Hill Preserve Council Member Coler presented the request from the Fairfax Open Space Committee (FOSC) for a $75,000 donation to the Marin Open Space Trust (MOST) for acquisition of Sky Ranch Knoll, the final parcel needed to complete the Bald Hill Preserve. The property, wholly within Fairfax, will be managed by the County as part of the Preserve; the Town will bear no maintenance obligations. Council Member Coler noted a correction to the resolution changing the Measure A allocation from $45,000 to $50,000. Funding would draw $50,000 from the Town's Measure A Open Space and Parks funds and $25,000 from undesignated balances in the Open Space Fund. Council Members discussed the historical context noting prior discriminatory opposition to the property's former owner. FOSC member Michael Reeves and co-chair of the San Anselmo Open Space
Committee Jonathan Braun, appearing via Zoom, expressed appreciation and noted that San Anselmo had committed $800,000 toward the purchase.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Todd Greenberg spoke about historical racism.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
M/S: Coler/Blash, Motion to adopt the Resolution authorizing the Town Manager to donate $75,000 to the Marin Open Space Trust for acquisition of Sky Ranch Knoll, with a correction to the second-to-last whereas clause reflecting $50,000 from Measure A funds and $25,000 from undesignated open space fund balances.
AYES: Blash, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman
7. Residents' Petition
Pursuant to Town Code Section 2.08.090, a Residents’ Petition was Received Regarding a Banner Program – Petitioner: Todd Greenberg
Petitioner Todd Greenberg presented a proposal for a June banner framework. Petitioner stated the intent was to broaden, not replace, Pride recognition.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
Extensive public comment followed, with the large majority of speakers strongly opposing the petition and urging the Council to retain the existing Pride flag display without modification. Multiple speakers shared personal accounts of the significance of the flags to LGBTQ+ residents, families, and community members. A smaller number of speakers expressed sympathy for the petition.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
. No Council action was taken.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Item i. Facilities Condition Assessment was continued to the July meeting.
Items Removed from the Consent Calendar: Vice Mayor Egger requested removal of item: Items f.
Independent Auditing Services, g. Fire Station 21 - Red Cloud, and m. Piper Lane Neighbors.
Item g. Fire Station 21, Red Cloud
Town Manager Abrams clarified the item authorizes a first amendment to the existing Red Cloud contract, with $12,000 previously spent under the Town Manager's authority to equip temporary quarters, and an additional $21,000 for the permanent station upon completion of the remodel. Total spending remains within the originally budgeted $50,000 for the alerting system and does not expand the overall $1.6 million project budget. It was clarified that the item is only pertinent due to the spending cap on Town Manager’s authority.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
There was no public comment on the item.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
M/S: Coler / Blash, Motion to adopt the Resolution ratifying the agreement with Red Cloud and authorizing the Town Manager to execute a first amendment in a total amount not to exceed $33,624.76, with the project cost remaining at $1.6 million.
AYES: AYES: Blash, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman
Mayor Hellman left the meeting at 10:25 p.m., Vice Mayor Egger began chairing the meeting.
Item m. Piper Lane Neighbors
Council Member Egger presented the proclamation recognizing Piper Lane neighbors who collectively purchased a steep, ecologically sensitive parcel adjacent to the Wall Property and transferred it to Western Alliance for Nature, a 501(c)(3) conservancy, to be preserved in perpetuity.
Vice Mayor Egger opened the meeting to public comment.
• A speaker expressed gratitude and admiration for the concerted, collaborative efforts of local citizens who worked to protect the parcel.
M/S: Coler/Blash, Motion to adopt the Proclamation recognizing the neighbors of Piper Lane.
AYES: Blash, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler
ABSENT: Hellman
Item f. Award Contract for Independent Auditing Services Town Manager Abrams reported that an RFP was issued and distributed, three proposals were received, and the Finance Committee recommended Badawi & Associates as the best fit, noting strong references from other municipal clients and a competitive price. A council member expressed support and requested that the new auditor present in person at future audit meetings.
Vice Mayor Egger opened the meeting to public comment.
● Todd Greenberg commented that there should be more proposals from different firms solicited and the process should be more public,
Vice Mayor Egger closed the meeting to public comment.
M/S: Coler/Blash, Motion to authorize the Town Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Badawi & Associates for independent auditing services for fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 through June 30, 2030, with two optional one-year extensions
AYES: Blash, Egger, Coler
NOES: Ghiringhelli
ABSENT: Hellman
Items Remaining on the Consent Calendar:
a. Financial Statement and Disbursement Reports
b. Councilmember Reports
c. Minutes (April 15, 2026, April 17, 2026 and May 6, 2026) d. AB481 Ordinance Renewal
e. Annual Salary Schedule
h. Surplus Vehicle for Public Works
j. Letters of Opposition for SB 866 and AB 1383
k. LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2026 Proclamation
l. Juneteenth 2026 Proclamation
Vice Mayor Egger opened the meeting to public comment on consent calendar items a-e, and h-l. • Todd Greenberg commented on the Pride Month proclamation but suggested that other groups receive proclamations in June for fairness.
Vice Mayor Egger closed the meeting to public comment.
M/S: Coler/Blash Motion to approve the remaining consent calendar items.
AYES: Blash, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler,
ABSENT: Hellman
COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council reports and comments were included in the meeting packet.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Mayor Egger recognized the passing of John Cook, Judge Faye D’Opal, and Manuel Barretta. John Cook's memorial service was noted for Saturday at 10 AM at the Community Church.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:42 p.m.