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DRAFT
Fairfax Town Council Minutes
Special Meeting
Fairfax Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax, CA
and via teleconference Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Special Meeting in Closed Session at 5:00 p.m.
The special meeting in closed was canceled.
Special Meeting at 5:45 p.m.
In-person meeting at the Fairfax Women’s Club, 46 Park Road Interview and consider an appointment to the Climate Action Committee Motion to appoint Courtney Richardson to the Climate Action Committee M/S: Coler/Hellman
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
Special Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Hybrid meeting at the Fairfax Women’s Club and via Zoom Call to Order/Roll Call
Mayor Hellman called the Special Meeting to order at 6:00 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
Janet Coleson, Town Attorney, Public Agency Law
Kristin Arnold, Director of Public Works
Jeff Beiswenger, Planning & Building Services Director
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Hellman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Land Acknowledgement
Mayor Hellman read the Land Acknowledgement recognizing the unceded ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok people of present-day Marin County.
Meeting Protocol
Mayor Hellman read the meeting protocol statement into the record.
Regular Agenda
1. Certification of the June 2, 2026 Election
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Staff presented the item, noting that the election results and certification from the Marin County Elections Department were included in the packet and would be incorporated into the resolution upon adoption.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• A speaker expressed support for publicly acknowledging election results. • Todd Greenberg spoke about the ballot measure campaign and scope of the measure. • PJ Feffer expressed support for the certification, commenting on the simple majority vote requirement for local tax measures under state law.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Councilmembers discussed the item and posed questions.
Motion to approve Resolution No. 2026-37, a Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax, California, reciting the fact of the Special Municipal Election held on June 2, 2026, declaring the result of Measure J, an extension and increase of the Measure C sales tax, and such other matters as provided by law, with a friendly amendment correcting the previous tax name from "G" to "C." M/S: Egger/Blash
AYES: Blash, Coler, Ghiringhelli, Egger, Hellman
2. Establishing Official Names for the 100-acre Fairfax Property Christine Foster, Assistant to the Town Manager/Deputy Town Clerk, presented the item, summarizing a nearly two-year community naming process for the 100-acre open space known as the "Wall Property," involving the Fairfax Open Space Committee (FOSC), a Council subcommittee of Mayor Hellman and Vice Mayor Egger, and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR).
The recommended names are as follows: the property as a whole to be known as the Fairfax Open Space Preserve; Bright Side Overlook (honoring Diane Bright); Jessica's Spiral (honoring Jessica Green); Redford Ridge (honoring Robert and Jamie Redford); Miranda Perch (upper location, exact site to be finalized); Lile Yomi Way (main fire road, tribal recommendation); and Marin Open Space Trust Trail (MOST Trail).
It was requested that the resolution's reference to "MOST Trail" be amended to read "Marin Open Space Trust Trail" for clarity.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Mark Lubomirski (FOSC) provided background on the donors being honored, including Ted Bright's $1,000,000 donation in memory of his wife Diane, Jessica Green's $40,000 bequest, and Jamie Redford's community fundraising and advocacy for open space acquisition. • Mike Ardito (FOSC Co-Secretary) echoed remarks about Jamie Redford's role in the Sky Ranch acquisition and noted his father's recent passing and environmental legacy. • Todd Greenberg thanked all FOSC members, including Susan Pascal Baron, Mike Ardito, and Mark Lubomirski, for their work on this effort.
• A speaker thanked all contributors to the property's acquisition and noted the acquisition process.
• Chance Cutrano commended the Council and community for completing the naming process and expressed support for continued stewardship programming.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
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Councilmembers discussed the item. Councilmembers recalled the pivotal role Ted Bright played in initiating the acquisition, noting his $1,000,000 pledge was the catalyst for action and acknowledged the collaborative effort of FOSC, MOST, the Tribe, and the broader community.
Motion to adopt a Resolution establishing the official names for the 100-acre open space, its features, and its trails as set forth in the staff report, with the amendment that "MOST Trail" be designated "Marin Open Space Trust Trail" in the resolution, and to direct staff to proceed with the design, fabrication, and installation of identification, regulatory, and funding acknowledgment signage consistent with the adopted names.
M/S: Coler/Blash
AYES: Blash, Coler, Ghiringhelli, Egger, Hellman
3. Short-Term Rental Update
Jeff Beiswenger, Planning Director presented an informational update on the Town's Short-Term Rental (STR) program. The Town uses the Rentalscape/Deckard platform to identify STR listings, as platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO do not disclose host addresses to local governments.
Upon identifying an STR, the Town sends up to three letters requesting registration. Further action requires code enforcement proceedings.
The Town recently entered into a collection agreement with Airbnb, which will collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) directly to the Town for all Airbnb hosts, regardless of local registration status. This is projected to generate over $100,000 annually in hotel users tax. Airbnb represents approximately 90% of Fairfax STR activity. The Town is actively seeking a similar agreement with VRBO.
The current Rentalscape contract costs $19,000 per year, anticipated to be reduced to approximately $15,000 given the Airbnb collection agreement.
Staff noted Senate Bill 346, which authorizes local governments to obtain host and property data from listing platforms through ordinance amendment. The City of Sausalito recently adopted such an ordinance.
Proposed next steps include securing a VRBO collection agreement, initiating code enforcement on two identified non-compliant hosts, and working with lapsed registrants to renew annual registrations.
Council noted that the STR ordinance was originally developed to allow residents to rent portions of their primary residences and not to permit investor-owned properties to operate as STRs. Council encouraged the use of step-up letters for lapsed registrants.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Todd Greenberg asked to obtain cost analysis, and questioned collection agency referrals for delinquent TOT.
• Helen Marley, a resident on a private road, raised concerns that the current STR regulations do not account for fire evacuation risks on narrow private roads with limited egress, and asked that the ordinance include provisions allowing neighbors to raise such concerns. • A speaker expressed concern about the burden imposed on homeowners who rent a room out of financial necessity and asked the Council to distinguish between investor landlords and residents renting for survival.
• Kevin Day, a neighbor of the previous speaker, stated that their private road is now being used for commercial hotel activity without the consent of residents who collectively maintain and pay for the road, and asked the Council to add a legislative requirement for private road consent.
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• Mallory Geitheim expressed support for allowing residents who need income to rent portions of their homes, while recommending stricter regulation of investor-owned rental businesses. • Karen Wilson expressed concern that the regulatory process did not adequately solicit input from residents opposed to STRs.
• Michelle, also a resident on the private road, described concerns about strangers, road maintenance costs, fire danger, and the absence of any prior communication from the STR operator before listing the property.
• PJ Feffer stated that STR operators should not receive preferential treatment compared to other home-based businesses and suggested more aggressive enforcement. • Deborah Benson expressed general opposition to STRs and suggested a minimum rental period of two weeks to distinguish short-term commercial activity from room rentals needed for income.
• A speaker commented on costs associated with compliance monitoring.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Councilmembers discussed the item and some expressed personal opposition to the program, stating that property owners face high costs and should not be further burdened, and that Fairfax historically accommodated visitors and noted that VRBO, as a platform name, stands for "vacation rentals by owner," and referenced the historically resort-oriented character of Fairfax. It was also noted a First District Court of Appeal decision supporting local governments' right to obtain STR data from platforms.
A councilmember indicated support for the program's current direction, noted a prior resident who had difficulty registering, and suggested potential future policy adjustments, including consideration of private road situations, through further staff research rather than a formal subcommittee. No formal action was taken; staff was directed to proceed with the identified next steps.
4. Facilities Condition Assessment
Kristen Arnold, Director of Public Works presented the results of the Town's Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA), conducted by Bureau Veritas, an architecture and engineering firm, during September 2025, with final reports delivered between October 2025 and January 2026.
The assessment covered all Town facilities and established a Facility Condition Index (FCI) for each building, with a lower FCI indicating better condition.
Staff noted that the Pavilion roof cannot be repaired under warranty due to the solar installation and that roofers will no longer guarantee repairs. The Pavilion was identified as the highest-priority facility requiring the most significant investment.
The FCA logged approximately 20 years of work items into the asset database, which the Town has access to for three years.
Annualized maintenance costs over 20 years were estimated at approximately $610,000 per year for all facilities, or $324,000 excluding the Pavilion.
Available funding identified includes approximately $45,000 from the general fund for facilities maintenance, $245,000 in existing grants (HVAC at Town Hall, bottle fill station, and a state park grant for the Pavilion roof), a prior loan for the fire station project, and potential Measure A funding for recreational facilities such as the Women's Club.
Staff confirmed a grant covers HVAC at Town Hall and the Police Department building. A councilmember recommended engaging the California Public Policy Group, a grant writing firm accessible through Cal Cities, to pursue additional funding, particularly for the Pavilion.
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Town Manager confirmed that a small amount had been budgeted in the current fiscal year to engage a grant writer.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Todd Greenberg suggested consulting public works field staff on priorities, and proposed a volunteer contractor program.
• Chance Cutrano drew a parallel to deferred road maintenance, cautioning that deferring building repairs compounds costs over time and urging the Council to act proactively to avoid emergency procurement and code-triggered upgrades. • Bruce Ackerman agreed that roofs are the highest priority and expressed support for modern window replacements that maintain the Pavilion's historic character. • Michael Mackintosh supported grant-seeking efforts.
• PJ Pfeffer echoed concerns about compounding costs from deferred maintenance and raised questions about liability considerations if volunteer labor is used.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Councilmembers discussed the item with it being noted that the report provides a useful roadmap for prioritization and budgeting, expressed support for grant writing assistance, and acknowledged the interconnected nature of building repair costs with road infrastructure needs. A councilmember expressed concern about past spending decisions that had not set aside funds for infrastructure maintenance. No formal action was taken; staff was directed to continue developing project scopes, pursuing grant funding, and integrating facility needs into the capital plan.
Mayor Hellman called for a break at 8:29 p.m.
Councilmember Ghiringhelli left the meeting at 8:29 p.m.
The meeting resumed at 8:34 p.m.
Note: Agenda Item: Police Department Taser & Camera Policy, was removed from the meeting agenda.
5. 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: Vice Mayor Egger requested removal of item 5.c.
Items Remaining on the Consent Calendar:
a. Public Works Vehicle Purchase
b. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Programs Agreement d. Disability Pride Proclamation
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment on items 6a, 6b, and 6d. • Todd Greenberg raised accessibility concerns related to the Disability Pride Proclamation. • A speaker commented on the process of the consent calendar.
Mayor Hellman called for a break at 8:41 p.m.
The meeting resumed at 8:43 p.m.
• Chance Cutrano expressed support for the used truck purchase and also encouraged future discussion of ADA transition plan activities.
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• A speaker suggested delaying the truck purchase pending availability of the Slate electric pickup truck.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Staff confirmed that the electric vehicle policy was followed in evaluating alternatives, and that two existing Public Works vehicles are currently inoperable. The used truck purchase was characterized as a bridge solution until a suitable electric long-bed truck becomes available.
Councilmember Coler noted a date error in the resolution for item 6a (listed as June 1, should be July 22) and requested a friendly amendment correcting the date.
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar items 6a, 6b, and 6d, with the correction of the resolution date on item 6a from June 1 to June 22.
M/S: Blash/Egger
AYES: Blash, Coler, Egger, Hellman
5c. Professional Services Agreement—Master Fee Schedule Town Manager Abrams presented the item, noting it had been on the consent calendar but was pulled for discussion. The proposal is to engage Government Consulting Partners (GCP) for a comprehensive cost of services and cost allocation study at a cost not to exceed $34,500. The last fee schedule update was in 2019, and fees have not been adjusted in seven years with the exception of recreation fees.
The study would document fully loaded costs for Town services, provide policy recommendations on cost recovery levels, and deliver a live spreadsheet model allowing staff to update fees as costs change over time, reducing the need for future full-scope studies.
The target completion is September 2026, after which a 60-day notice period is required before new fees take effect.
Brad Burgess of Government Consulting Partners (via phone) described the firm's process, noting that the study would first establish full costs and then consult on subsidization policy, drawing on experience across all 58 California counties.
A councilmember expressed support for the study but advocated for a subcommittee review of the final recommendations before the item returns to the full Council. Another council member noted potential subcommittee formation could be addressed at a future meeting.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Todd Greenberg questioned policy direction to the consultant, and asked about the affordability impact of increasing both taxes and fees simultaneously. • Chance Cutrano expressed support for the fee study and for an ad hoc Council subcommittee to review recommendations.
• A speaker supported the study and council subcommittee. • PJ Pfeffer commented on competitive wages for public works employees.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Councilmembers discussed the item. A councilmember noted the importance of understanding how many STRs exist and what fees currently apply while another clarified that state law prohibits the Town from making a profit on fees; fees may only recover actual costs. It was also noted that the study would also help address community concerns about whether development fees adequately cover Town costs. The question of forming an ad hoc subcommittee to review the final
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recommendations was deferred to a future agenda item, with Councilmember Coler expressing interest in participating.
Motion to authorize the Town Manager to execute an agreement with Government Consulting Partners in an amount not to exceed $34,500 for a comprehensive cost of services and cost allocation study.
M/S: Coler/Egger
AYES: Blash, Coler, Egger, Hellman
ABSENT: Ghiringhelli
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:00 p.m. in memory of Marlon Washington and Charlie Cunningham.
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DRAFT
Fairfax Town Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Fairfax Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax, CA
and via teleconference Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Closed Session Special Meeting at 4:15 p.m.
In Person meeting at Town Hall Finance Offices, 21 Park Rd.
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
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
Bridget Wipfler, Climate Action Coordinator
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Hellman led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda
M/S: Coler/Blash
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
Land Acknowledgement
Mayor Hellman read the Land Acknowledgement.
Meeting Protocol
Mayor Hellman read the meeting protocol.
Approval of Agenda
Prior to approval, Mayor Hellman moved to amend the agenda to place the Linda Neal Retirement Proclamation ahead of Open Time for Public Expression.
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Motion to approve the agenda with the change to the schedule for the Linda Neal Proclamation M/S: Coler/Blash
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
Report out on Closed Session
Mayor Hellman reported that the Council had convened in Closed Session and that there were no reportable items. No public comment was received during Closed Session.
Announcements
There were no announcements.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager reported on the following:
• The Town's stormwater improvements and paving project on Park Road is halfway complete and on track for a September completion.
• The Ross Valley Sanitary District project is ending on Park Road and will transition to Merwin for several more weeks.
o Downtown Broadway schedule is being adjusted, with updates to follow. o Westbrae and Olema Road projects are set to start in early September, with Oak Grove projected to finish by February's end.
• Marin Water project remains paused, tied to ongoing discussions with Graton Rancheria on artifact found.
• RVSD project may introduce one-way traffic or closure near Bank Street; nighttime work is under consideration.
• Fire Station 21 remodel is progressing, with firefighters currently stationed at the community center.
• September 2 council meeting will tentatively feature a police department badge pinning ceremony, a Marin Emergency Services presentation, and potential presentation on the fleet electrification plan.
Council Member Coler asked whether slurry work on Glen Drive near White Hills School could be scheduled before the start of the school year. Director Arnold indicated she would follow up with the contractor on the schedule.
Future Agenda Items
A councilmember raised the issue of school zone speed limit reductions. Town Manager Abrams confirmed the item is scheduled to come before the Council in October as part of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee's final report.
A future agenda item was requested to streamline the Town's permitting process for downtown events, citing concerns that the current process, requiring two or more months and a $2,000 fee, is burdensome for the Chamber of Commerce and small businesses.
Discussion followed regarding whether code changes would require Planning Commission review prior to coming to Council. The Town Attorney confirmed that zoning-related code changes are required by state law to go through the Planning Commission first. Town Manager Abrams indicated staff would assess which code sections require Planning Commission review and report back.
A councilmember also requested that the Council consider establishing a liaison to the Ross Valley Sanitary District.
Town Manager Abrams agreed to arrange a future presentation by RVSD General Manager Steve Moore. The Council discussed adding a liaison appointment to the September agenda, with Vice Mayor Egger as a potential candidate given his prior service on the RVSD board.
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Mayor Hellman announced upcoming community events: Bingo Night on August 14, Sidewalk CPR on August 15, the Town-Wide Picnic on August 30, and the ribbon cutting for La Flor on August 9 at 10:00 a.m.
Presentations
1. Linda Neal Retirement Proclamation
Mayor Hellman read a proclamation honoring Linda Neal for more than 40 years of service to the Town of Fairfax as Principal Planner, beginning July 7, 1986. The proclamation recognized her institutional knowledge, dedication, professional conduct, and contributions to the Town, and declared August 5, 2026 "Linda Neal Day" in the Town of Fairfax.
Linda Neal was presented with a handmade platter from a local artist by Town Manager Abrams.
All Council members offered remarks expressing gratitude for Ms. Neal's service.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Cindy Swift praised Ms. Neal's forty years of service, volunteer contributions, and commitment to customer service.
• Sierra Salin announced a humorous intent to serve as Linda Neal's campaign manager for a future council run.
• Michael Mackintosh praised Linda Neal's longevity, consistency, and dedication, and encouraged the Town to recognize her with the strongest pension benefits available. • Mimi Newton read an original limerick and presented Linda Neal with a framed original ode composed in her honor.
• Larry Bragman thanked Linda Neal for her fair and knowledgeable treatment of residents during building projects and noted her role in helping write and implement the Town's codes. • Michelle Gardener thanked Linda Neal as a former colleague and noted her spirit and gardening talents.
• Morgan Hall described Ms. Neal's institutional knowledge and her role in training planning directors over the years.
• Deborah Benson suggested using alternative remedies like diatomaceous earth for pest control and emphasized community collaboration as well as how much she would miss Linda Neal.
• Ric Hamer expressed that it was important to be present to say goodbye and acknowledged Linda Neal's lasting impact on Fairfax.
• Minna Kim on behalf of the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, thanked Linda Neal for her professionalism and dedication to helping businesses navigate the planning process. • Mark Lockaby shared a lighthearted anecdote and expressed gratitude for twenty years of collaboration with Ms. Neal.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
The Council took a brief recess.
Open Time for Public Expression
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Michael Ardito announced community events celebrating the 75th Diamond Jubilee anniversary of Archie Williams High School.
• Steve Wasserman expressed concern about PG&E's actions related to the Meadow Way Bridge utilities project and urged the Town to hold PG&E accountable for its commitment to underground the utility lines.
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• Nancy Wasserman urged the Council to press for a swifter resolution to the bridge project, and push PG&E to honor its commitment to underground the utilities. • Sierra Salin commented on housing affordability, stating that current affordable housing income thresholds do not serve local workers.
• Deborah Benson encouraged Council members to work together more cooperatively and to share the collegial spirit shown during the Linda Neal proclamation. • Todd Greenberg asked the Council to revise or adhere to its rules of decorum. • Michael Mackintosh encouraged welcoming behavior toward differing opinions. • Cindy Ross described concerns about traffic safety and road conditions on Lansdale and Pastori Avenues.
• Jody Timms highlighted climate-related community events and programs and encouraged the Council to consider a resolution on dark skies while a formal ordinance is developed.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Regular Agenda
2. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing an Exception to the Town's Pesticide Ordinance for Targeted Flea Treatment Beneath the Temporary Fire Station
Public Works Director Kristin Arnold presented the staff report and presentation, stating that in late July, staff discovered a flea infestation in the playground area adjacent to the temporary fire station at the community center. It was believed to be caused by raccoons accessing the space beneath the building.
The playground was closed and treated with agricultural steam, which produced a significant reduction in fleas. However, the crawl space beneath the temporary fire station — approximately 1,900 square feet enclosed by a solid concrete perimeter — remained infested.
Ordinance-compliant measures such as boric acid and the 9-square-foot spray allowance were found to be insufficient for the scale of the problem. Granular pesticides requiring water activation were deemed inappropriate due to moisture and rot risk to the wood-frame building.
Staff consulted with three pest control companies and the County Department of Agriculture, and recommended applying Alpine WSG insecticide and Teco Pro growth regulator — both Californiaregistered, EPA reduced-risk products labeled for institutional and residential use — beneath the temporary fire station. The proposed resolution would authorize initial and follow-up applications as necessary until the infestation is controlled.
Councilmembers discussed the item and posed questions, including concerns about proximity to the creek, potential groundwater impacts, the efficacy of alternatives such as diatomaceous earth, and the timeline for treatment. Acting Fire Chief Jake Peterson addressed the Council, stating that the treatment was necessary to protect the health and safety of firefighters living in the temporary quarters.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Todd Greenberg asked the Council to continue the item to allow for more public notice, supported non-pesticide measures, and asked for more pesticide information. • Deborah Benson suggested using diatomaceous earth as an alternative.
Director Arnold clarified that diatomaceous earth is not currently allowed under the Town's pesticide ordinance.
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• Michael Mackintosh elaborated on the properties of diatomaceous earth and suggested amending the ordinance to allow its use.
• Bruce Ackerman asked the Council to develop clearer ordinance criteria for future pesticide exceptions.
• Fire Battalion Chief Jake Peterson supported the proposed pesticide treatment to ensure firefighter safety and prevent the situation from worsening. • Cindy Ross expressed opposition to pesticide exceptions and suggested exploring non-toxic alternatives, including possible individual flea treatment for raccoons.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Motion to adopt the supplemental resolution authorizing an exception to the Town's pesticide ordinance for targeted flea treatment beneath the temporary fire station.
On a first motion, the vote failed to achieve the required supermajority.
M/S: Coler/Ghiringhelli
AYES: Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman
NOES: Egger
ABSTAIN: Blash
A second motion was made and passed with the clarification that the firefighters had specifically requested the treatment.
M/S: Coler/Ghiringhelli
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Hellman
NOES: Egger
Mayor Hellman called for a two-minute break at 8:33 p.m.
3. Receive a Presentation on the Municipal Microgrid Project for the Town of Fairfax Facilities and Provide Direction to Staff
Climate Action Coordinator Bridget Wipfler presented a conceptual overview of a municipal microgrid for Town facilities. She reported that between 2021 and 2024, the Town experienced thirteen power outages averaging 3.5 hours each. The Town's current solar installations, placed under a Net Energy Metering 1 (NEM 1) contract in 2009, will transition to NEM 3 next year, reducing the export rate from approximately $0.47 per kilowatt hour to approximately $0.05 per kilowatt hour. This change strongly incentivizes battery storage to capture solar energy for internal use rather than selling it back to the grid at significantly reduced rates.
The proposed microgrid concept would connect updated solar panels across multiple Town buildings with battery storage, reducing reliance on generators, enabling EV fleet charging, and providing community resilience during outages. The pavilion roof, which requires replacement and currently hosts 2009-era solar panels, represents a natural opportunity for a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade.
Staff noted that third-party financing models exist that would allow a provider to fund upfront costs for solar, battery storage, and potentially the roof and EV chargers, with the Town repaying through energy savings over time, similar to how the existing solar was financed.
Councilmembers discussed the item and posed questions regarding third-party willingness to cover roof replacement costs, the payback structure, battery type and fire safety, existing underground
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conduit infrastructure, potential bonding implications, and the relationship between the project and the Town's fleet electrification goals.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Bruce Ackerman noted the significance of underground conduit already connecting Town buildings and expressed support for staff to pursue the project. • Michael Mackintosh talked about a buyout provision and exploring newer battery technologies.
• Kevin Curtis suggested the project could be framed as a Resilience Hub and encouraged research into ABAG grant funding streams related to Plan Bay Area. • Todd Greenberg supported a microgrid and talked about financials and liabilities. • Jody Timms, Fairfax Climate Action Committee member, supported exploring the project and noted that further financial and technical details would be returned to Council for review.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
The Council reached consensus to direct staff to continue pursuing a microgrid solution, including research of technology options, financing models, and issuance of an RFP, RFQ, or RFI as staff determines appropriate, with a proposal to be returned to Council.
No formal vote was required for this direction item.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
It was noted that a Supplement was published and distributed for Item 4g. It was additionally noted that Councilmember Egger would like the July minutes to be adjusted to reflect that he had suggested a one-year trial period for the cannabis application discussed at the previous meeting.
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. Quarterly Report: Treasurer
c. Quarterly report: Recreation and Community Services
d. Councilmember Reports
e. Minutes (July 1, 2026)
f. Adopt a Living Wage Resolution
g. Grand Jury report: MCE
h. Annual Climate Action Committee Report and Work Plan i. Climate Action Committee Meeting Date Change
j. Letter of Support
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment on consent calendar items b.-j. • Todd Greenberg commented on the volume of consent calendar items, the minutes, and requested that item 4g be pulled.
• Jody Timms thanked Coordinator Wipfler for her assistance with item 4h. and encouraged Council members to engage with the committee on its annual plan.
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Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Motion to approve Consent Calendar Items b.-j.
M/S: Blash/Coler
AYES: Blash, Ghiringhelli, Coler, Egger, Hellman
4a. Financial Statement and Disbursement Reports
A councilmember raised two questions regarding item 4a. regarding the payment to First American Title Company and the May and June billings for Public Agency Law. Town Manager Abrams and Finance Director Vivrette responded to each question.
Additionally, a councilmember inquired about the composition of the non-departmental expenditures under department 715, specifically what categories fall under professional services and what portion relates to litigation. Finance staff explained that the litigation line reflects attorney fees, including those processed through Bay Cities for workers' compensation and claims matters, and that professional services covers a range of categories including county animal services, Chamber of Commerce payments, and other contracted services.
Mayor Hellman opened the meeting to public comment.
• Todd Greenberg asked about a consolidated monthly legal cost report with budget-to-actual comparisons.
Mayor Hellman closed the meeting to public comment.
Motion to receive the Financial Statement and Disbursement Reports for June 2026.
M/S: Ghiringhelli/Coler
AYES: Blash, Coler, Hellman
NOES: Ghiringhelli, Egger
COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council reports and comments were included in the meeting packet.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hellman adjourned the meeting in honor of John Sergeant.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:24 p.m.