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DRAFT
Fairfax Town Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Fairfax Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax, CA
and via teleconference Wednesday, July 1, 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 6:33 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Stephanie Hellman, Mayor
Frank Egger, Vice Mayor
Barbara Coler
Michael Ghiringhelli
Lisel Blash
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Heather Abrams, Town Manager
Christine Foster, Assistant to the Town Manager/Deputy Town Clerk
Janabai Owens, Deputy Town Clerk
Michael Vivrette, Finance Director
Janet Coleson, Town Attorney, Public Agency Law
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
Motion to approve the agenda
M/S: Coler/Ghiringhelli
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
Land Acknowledgement
Mayor Hellman read the Land Acknowledgement.
Meeting Protocol
Mayor Hellman read the meeting protocol.
Report out on Closed Session
Mayor Hellman reported that the Council had convened in Closed Session and that there were no reportable items. Public comment received during Closed Session was noted for inclusion in the minutes.
• Mark Bell spoke about negotiations with Public Works employees, salaries not being consistent with other income levels in the County, and noted the important work of the staff.
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• Todd Greenberg spoke about discussion transparency, mentioned the Town Manager position, and asked for many issues to be discussed in open session.
Announcements
Mayor Hellman announced an upcoming Mayor's Table at the Wednesday Farmers Market, provided information on a planned memorial garden at the Women's Club, and directed the community to resources from the California Department of Insurance regarding home fire insurance cancellations and new carriers returning to the Fairfax market. Mayor Hellman also thanked all involved in the Fairfax Festival.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager reported on the following:
• Fireworks safety and traffic impacts anticipated on July 4th in Southern Marin • Commencement of SEIU labor negotiations
• Construction timelines for Park Road stormwater and paving improvements, Ross Valley Sanitary District projects and Marin Water pipeline work (rescheduled to begin July 13) • Traffic management measures for active construction zones • Installation of Park Rule signs at Town parks and open spaces • Tree ordinance update under discussion by the Tree Committee • Fire Station 21 remodeling progress
• Special Meeting planned for July 22nd
Future Agenda Items
A request was made to place a presentation on the Town's updated Pavement Condition Index on a future agenda.
Open Time for Public Expression
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
● Salvador Marroquin (SEIU 1021 Field Representative) asked the Council to approve the Union’s wage increase request.
● Rudy Contratti (Public Works employee) spoke about Public Works employees’ wage levels and asked to be prioritized.
● Susan Waters (Town employee) stated that the Public Works team provides essential daily services and asked for Council support of a three-year contract. ● John Freeman (Public Works employee) stated that employees are considering second jobs and described the physical hazards of working in traffic. ● Guy Norenius (Public Works employee) spoke about cost savings potential and asked the Council to consider their request.
● Taylor Millar (Public Works employee) stated that his position pays more than 11 percent below the county average and that he has been looking for other work due to financial pressure.
● Travis Balzerini (SEIU Regional Vice President) spoke about employees not being able to afford to live in the community they serve and asked the Council to compensate them accordingly.
● Minna (Fairfax Chamber of Commerce) expressed support for Public Works staff and raised concerns about the cumulative impact of multiple construction projects on downtown parking and business activity, asking for better coordination of timing and communication from agencies.
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● Ric Hamer expressed support for competitive wages for Public Works staff and thanked the Town and Chamber for a successful Fairfax Festival.
● Todd Greenberg asked about salaries and legal service costs across Marin County municipalities.
● Mark Bell spoke about low-income numbers in Marin and noted Public Works employees’ salaries in comparison.
● Cindy Ross asked the Council to take action on chemical fumes from the laundromat at Fairfax Plaza and expressed support for Public Works staff wage increases. ● Chris expressed support for a wage increase for Public Works employees. ● PJ expressed support for increased wages and urged the Council not to reduce staffing levels, emphasizing the value of long-tenured employees. ● Richard Applebaum echoed concerns about fumes from the laundromat.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Mayor Hellman directed staff to provide a response to public speakers regarding efforts taken to address the laundromat fume issue.
Regular Agenda
1. Adopt a Resolution Calling for the November 3, 2026 Municipal Election Deputy Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager Christine Foster presented the item, noting it is a standard resolution consolidating the General Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election, setting candidate statement rules, and confirming that two Council seats, the Town Clerk, and the Town Treasurer are up for election.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment, but there were none.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2026-23 calling for a General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2026, for the election of certain officers, requesting the Marin County Board of Supervisors to consolidate the General Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election, and setting rules and deadlines for candidate statements.
M/S: Blash/Coler
AYES: Blash, Coler, Hellman, Egger, Ghiringhelli
2. Ross Valley Paramedic Authority Joint Powers Agreement Amendment RVPA Chief Mahoney presented via Zoom, providing background on the amended and restated Joint Powers Agreement. He explained that the original 1982 JPA was approximately one and a half pages, that a Citygate study was commissioned in 2024, and that the Board unanimously directed RVPA staff to return with an updated agreement centralizing finances and operations. Key provisions include an eight-member board, specified two-thirds voting thresholds for major decisions, centralized fiscal management, provisions for member withdrawal and removal, and legal protections for member agencies. Councilmembers discussed and posed questions, including questions regarding the history of Corte Madera's differing tax rate and the process if a member agency fails to pass its tax. A supplemental revised Exhibit A was noted for the record.
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Motion to approve the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority amended and restated Joint Powers Agreement and adopt a resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute said agreement, using the supplement (revised Exhibit A).
M/S: Coler/Ghiringhelli
AYES: Blash, Coler, Ghiringhelli, Egger, Hellman
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment, but there were none.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
3. Ross Valley Paramedic Authority Ballot Measure
Chief Mahoney presented the renewal of the RVPA four-year special parcel tax for the 2027–2031 cycle. He explained that the parcel tax funds approximately 50 percent of RVPA operations, with the balance from transport revenues. The proposed tax rate begins at $107.50 per residential unit in fiscal year 2027–28, with increases of up to $4.00 per year over four years, reaching no more than $119.50 by year four. The ballot language reflects a 75-word limit and states the rate is adjustable by up to $4.00 annually. Councilmembers discussed and posed questions regarding the ballot language, annual percentage increases (approximately 2.6 to 2.9 percent per year), and the equalization of rates with Corte Madera.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Todd Greenberg asked whether tax advocacy consultants had been consulted and whether there was still time to do so before adoption.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2026-24 calling for an election for an increase and extension of the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority four-year special parcel tax for 2027–2031, and requesting the Marin County Board of Supervisors to consolidate the election with the Statewide General Election.
M/S: Coler/Blash
AYES: Blash, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman
Mayor Hellman called for a 10-minute break at 8:05pm.
4. Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) Creek Road Bridge Public Works Director Kristin Arnold and Liv Niederer, an environmental consultant from WRA presented the CEQA Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Creek Road Bridge Seismic Rehabilitation Project. The bridge, built in 1929, was found to have seismic vulnerability in which the deck is inadequately anchored and could fail catastrophically in a major earthquake. The IS/MND found all potential environmental impacts can be mitigated to less than significant levels.
Key mitigation measures include a creek diversion system to protect steelhead habitat during construction, a fish salvage and rescue plan, and a traffic control plan coordinated with emergency services. A 30-day public comment period produced no public comments. Minor clerical corrections were incorporated into the final document. Councilmembers discussed and posed questions regarding the creek diversion process, the definition of a historic bridge, construction timeline, emergency access, and the presence of steelhead in the creek.
Mayor Hellman opened the public hearing. No speakers came forward.
Mayor Hellman closed the public hearing.
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Motion to Conduct a Public Hearing and Adopt a Resolution Adopting the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Final Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for the proposed Creek Road Bridge Seismic Rehabilitation Project and Approve the Project
M/S: Coler/Blash
AYES: Blash, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman
5. 61 Bolinas Road Cannabis Application
Planning Director Beiswenger presented the application for a Cannabis Business Permit for a Medical Cannabis Storefront Retailer at 61 Bolinas Road. He identified three independent disqualifying factors under the current Town Code: (1) the location is within 600 feet of a youth center (the Pavilion, approximately 209 feet to the property line); (2) the location is within 300 feet of a daycare center (First Friends Preschool, approximately 243 feet to the property line); and (3) the site has no on-site parking, while four spaces are required. Town Attorney Coleson clarified that variances cannot be granted because the required findings — including special circumstances tied to the property and absence of special privilege — cannot be made. Staff presented two options: (1) deny the application via resolution, or (2) continue the application and direct staff to revise the Town Code to address the deficiencies.
Town Attorney Coleson further noted that the application was not signed under penalty of perjury as required, and that financial capacity documentation consisted of a Zillow printout of the applicant's home value. Staff also reported the discovery of outstanding tax liens totaling over $900,000 in public records, though the applicant indicated a portion reflects resolved or disputed amounts.
Applicant Lynette Shaw addressed the Council, describing her 30-year history of medical cannabis services to the Marin County community. Attorneys Greg Anton and attorney Larry Bragman spoke on her behalf, describing her legal history, the nature of the federal tax obligations, and the financial circumstances of cannabis operators under prior federal prohibition. They suggested the Council allow the applicant time to resolve financial matters before acting on the application, and recommended the Council reconsider the buffer zone distances.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
Supporters focused on the applicant's history and community medical need. Several described the Marin Alliance as a pioneering business and served as a source of affordable cannabis access for patients. A few contested the parking and buffer-zone requirements, noting a secured dispensary poses little risk to children and that parking constraints on Bolinas Road are universal.
Opponents’ comments concentrated on process, code consistency, and youth exposure. Many emphasized that the ordinance was developed through an extensive public process and argued that applying it selectively would constitute favoritism; several suggested a ballot measure as the proper path to change buffer distances. Business owners and neighbors raised constrained parking, highturnover traffic, and security risks on a pedestrian corridor.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Councilmember discussion reflected that the three code violations are independently disqualifying, that the application was unsigned, and that financial capacity documentation was insufficient. The Council also discussed the history of prior accommodations made for the applicant, including the 2024 code amendment for the Sir Francis Drake location, the applicant's representation to neighboring businesses that the 61 Bolinas location would not be used for cannabis, and the Council's legal exposure if approval were granted in violation of the code. The Council did not reach consensus to reopen the cannabis ordinance at this time.
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Motion to deny the 61 Bolinas Road Cannabis Business Permit application via adoption of the Resolution of Denial prepared by the Town Attorney.
M/S: Coler/Hellman
AYES: Blash, Coler, Hellman
NOES: Egger
ABSTAIN: Ghiringhelli
Council Member Coler called for a motion to waive the 10:30pm rule.
M/S: Coler/ Blash
AYES: Blash, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items Removed from the Consent Calendar: Vice Mayor Egger requested removal of item a.
Financial Statement and Disbursement Reports.
Items Remaining on the Consent Calendar:
b. Councilmember Reports
c. Minutes (June 3, 2026)
d. Adopt Five Resolutions Setting Taxes to be Collected by the Marin County AuditorController for FY 2026-27 e. Ross Valley Paramedic Authority (RVPA) tax
f. Annual Gann Appropriations
g. 145 Canyon Road Stabilization Project
h. Proclamation for State of California’s 175th and United States of America’s 250th i. Street Smart Banners Resolution
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment on consent calendar items b.-i. • Todd Greenberg asked the Council about tax increases in the past year, and noted the RVPA item.
• Ric Hamer asked the Council to make Councilmember reports submission mandatory for public transparency.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Motion to approve Consent Calendar Items b.-i.
M/S: Coler/Egger
AYES: Blash, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman
Item a. Financial Statement and Disbursement Reports.
Finance Director Vivrette presented the Financial Statement and Disbursement Reports for May 2026. A councilmember asked when complete year-end legal cost data would be available, noting that May legal billing data was not yet reflected in the report. The Finance Director explained that legal bills are received after the month in which work is performed, sometimes spanning multiple months, and that some costs will be subject to reimbursement (e.g., Meadow Way Bridge at approximately $179,000). Mayor Hellman asked that future reports include explanatory footnotes to reduce repetitive clarification at meetings.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
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• Todd Greenberg asked whether all legal expenses are captured on the attorney expense table and asked that the Council require timely submission of legal billings under contract. • Deborah Benson asked whether a $600 payment to Samuel Scott for biological services was related to the sequoia tree removal at Doc Edgar Park.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Town Manager Abrams confirmed that the biological services payment was related to nesting bird checks, in addition to coordination with PG&E and Wildcare, prior to tree removal activities.
Motion to receive the Financial Statement and Disbursement Reports for May 2026.
M/S: Coler/Blash
AYES: Blash, Egger, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman
COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council reports and comments were included in the meeting packet.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hellman recognized the passing of Katie Hoertkorn, Alberto (Al) Bernadino Da Cunha, George Pikkarainen and Bill Noble.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:51 p.m.