1 CITY OF MILL VALLEY
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ACTION MINUTES
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
26 CORTE MADERA AVENUE, MILL VALLEY
June 2, 2025
5:30 P.M.
Mayor Stephen Burke – Present
Vice Mayor Max Perrey – Absent
Councilmember Caroline Joachim – Present
Councilmember Urban Carmel – Present
Councilmember Katherine Jones – Present
City Staff Present: City Manager Cusimano; Director of Planning and Building Kelly; Director of Public Works Poster; Director of Finance Erickson; Deputy Director of Finance Atashkarian; Deputy Director of Human Resources Allingham; Senior Administrative Analyst Rogers, Community Engagement Liaison Terrell; Administrative Analyst III Politzer; DEI Liaison Hernden; and City Clerk De Ferrari.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Burke called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. and noted that Vice Mayor Perrey was absent.
ACTION OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
None.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA ORDER
Agenda_250602
Agenda_AMENDED_250602-
Mayor Burke noted a slight modification to the agenda order from when it was published the previous week. He announced they were able to confirm the availability of volunteer all-star Bill Johnston for a presentation, which would occur after approving the agenda order.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Carmel and SECONDED by Councilmember Joachim to approve the agenda order. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 4-0-1 vote.
PRESENTATIONS
2 During the presentations, Mayor Burke expressed that Item 4, Presentation by Executive Director, Anne Richman of Tam Authority of Marin was heard prior to Item 3, Actuarial Valuation of Other Post-Employment Benefit Programs (OPEB) from Cathy MacLeod.
0.5. AMENDED: Presentation of a Proclamation Honoring Volunteer All-Star Bill Johntson.
Mayor Stephen Burke introduced the presentation honoring Bill Johnston for five decades of volunteer service to Mill Valley. Council members highlighted his contributions to the Mill Valley Little League, Soccer Club, and support for at-risk youth.
Attendees, including council members, the public, and Johnston's family, attested to his positive impact, noting his sportsmanship, leadership, and volunteerism. Johnston thanked the council, family, and community, acknowledging others who also contribute to the city's vitality. Many shared personal stories, appreciating Johnston's dedication and community spirit, marking his lasting legacy in Mill Valley.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Burke opened public comment.
Speakers: John Orofino; Kim Bellissimo; Chris Kearney; Cliff Waldeck; Greg Moore; Patty Shore; and Tony Bellissimo.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Burke closed public comment.
Councilmembers made comments about Mr. Johnston.
Councilmembers thanked Bill Johnston and all participants who made comments in helping to honor Mr. Johnston.
1. Resolution Declaring June 2025, as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Authorizing the Display of the Pride Flag.
Item 1_Pride Month and Pride Flag 2025_250602
DEI Liaison Tammy Hernden presented the resolution for Pride Month, affirming the city's dedication to inclusion, respect, and compassion. Members from the pride planning team and students from Mill Valley’s Gay Straight Alliance Clubs assisted in reading the resolution.
DEI Liaison Hernden also announced a pride event at the Depot Plaza on Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM, inviting everyone to attend.
Councilmembers made comments about Pride Month and thanked DEI Liaison Hernden for her work on this initiative and for everyone’s participation in reading the resolution and helping to support the upcoming Pride event.
3 It was MOVED by Councilmember Joachim and SECONDED by Councilmember Carmel to approve the Resolution Declaring June 2025 LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Authorizing the Display of the Pride Flag. This action was taken at 3 hours and 27 seconds or 8:57 PM at the City Council meeting. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 4-0-1 vote.
2. Presentation from the Mill Valley School District.
Item 2_No Written Material_250602
Communications Consultant Tracy Craig and Superintendent Elizabeth Kaufman provided insights into the Mill Valley Middle School Modernization Project.
Consultant Craig highlighted a site assessment indicating no current risk to faculty and students, with an upcoming EIR (Environmental Impact Report) for public review.
Superintendent Kaufman updated the council on ongoing school projects, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) initiatives, and transitional kindergarten programs.
Councilmembers asked questions about the presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Burke opened public comment.
Speakers: Cliff Waldeck.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Burke closed public comment.
Councilmembers made final comments regarding the presentation.
Councilmembers thanked the Mill Valley School District for their presentation and invited them to return to provide an update later this year.
4. Presentation by Executive Director, Anne Richman of Tam Authority of Marin on Ramp Meter Activation.
Item 4_No Written Material_250602
Mayor Burke indicated that Item 4, Presentation by Executive Director, Anne Richman of Tam Authority of Marin would be heard first prior to Item 3, Actuarial Valuation of Other PostEmployment Benefit Programs (OPEB) from Cathy MacLeod.
Executive Director Anne Richman of the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) discussed the activation of ramp meters in Southern Marin, part of broader traffic infrastructure 4 projects. The activation is to start June 24th with a keen focus on traffic flow optimization and a commitment to continuous monitoring.
Councilmembers asked questions about technology impacts, coordination, and evaluation measures, receiving assurances of effective monitoring and updates from TAM and Caltrans.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Burke opened public comment.
Speakers: None.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Burke closed public comment.
Councilmembers provided comments about the presentation.
Councilmembers thanked Executive Director Richman and her team for the presentation.
3. Presentation via Zoom of the Actuarial Valuation of Other Post-Employment Benefit Programs (OPEB) as of June 30, 2024 from Cathy MacLeod of the Actuary firm Macleod Watts.
Item 3_OPEB 2024 Actuary Staff Report_250602
Item 3_Attachment 1_City Mill Valley Signed 2024 Val Rpt (ADCs & FYE 2025 GASB 75) Item 3_E-Comment 1_OPEB
Director Eric Erickson and Deputy Director Trevor Atashkarian began the presentation and introduced Actuarial Cathy MacLeod who reported improvements in the city’s OPEB programs, with unfunded liabilities decreased to $8.3 million. Contributions to these results include shifts in benefits, assumptions, and strong investments.
Councilmembers inquired about potential risks and funding strategies.
Director Erickson and Deputy Director Atashkarian provided plans for OPEB's future management.
Councilmembers provided comments about the presentation.
Councilmembers thanked Actuarial MacLeod for the presentation and directed staff to make further adjustments in forecasting the OPEB valuations and return to Council to present their findings. See Councilmembers descriptive comments in the recorded video. 5 5. Presentation by Harvard Business School Community Partners on Operational Efficiency Study and Recommendations.
Item 5_HBSCP Operational Efficiency Study_250602
Management Analyst III Hannah Politzer introduced the project and the team from the Harvard Business School Community Partners (HBSCP) to present opportunities to improve operational efficiency for the City of Mill Valley workforce. HBSCP found approximately $300,000 in cost savings over five years was identified through software consolidation and streamlining practices.
Councilmembers asked questions about the presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Burke opened public comment.
Speakers: Naema Dean.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Burke closed public comment.
Councilmembers provided comments about the presentation.
Councilmembers thanked staff and the HBSCP team for their work on this study.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Burke asked if any councilmember or member of the public wished to pull any Consent Calendar items.
City Manager Cusimano requested to pull Item #6, City Council meeting action minutes, from the Consent Calendar for an administrative adjustment.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Carmel and SECONDED by Councilmember Jones to adopt the Consent Calendar, Items #7 - 10. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 4-0-1 vote.
6. Consideration of the July 17, 2023, May 5, 2025 and May 19, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Action Minutes.
Recommended Action: Approve the action minutes.
Item 6_CC Minutes_250602
Item 6_AMENDED_May 19, 2025 Regular CC meeting minutes_250602- 6 7. Consideration of a Resolution Rescinding Resolution No. 24-18 and Adopting an Updated City-Wide Records Retention Schedule for 2025.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 25-__.
Item 7_Under Separate Cover_Records Retention Schedule Update for 2025_250602 Item 7_Annual Update to Records Retention Schedules_250602
8. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance amending Title 10 of the Mill Valley Municipal Code.
Recommended Action: Adopt the Ordinance by title only and waive second reading.
Item 8_Second Reading E-bike Ordinance Amendment_250602
9. Consideration of a Resolution to Adopt List of Roads Eligible To Be Funded By Senate Bill 1 (SB 1): The Road Repair and Accountability Act (FY 2025-26) Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 25-__.
Item 9_SB 1 2025-26 Projects_250602
10. Consideration of a Resolution for the 501 Cascade Drive Retaining Wall Repair Project to Approve Project Plans, Specifications, and Estimate; Authorize the City Manager to execute an Amendment to the MGE Engineering, Inc., Professional Service Agreement; and Award Bid and Execute the Contract to the Lowest Responsive/Responsible Bidder.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 25-___.
Item 10_PS&E, CE, Award - 501 Cascade Dr Ret Wall_250602
PUBLIC OPEN TIME
Mayor Burke opened Public Open Time.
Speakers: None.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Burke closed Public Open Time.
COUNCIL/STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS Councilmember Jones attended meetings on sea level rise with a joint Bay Wave and Marin committee, noting a deadline for local shoreline adaptation plans by 2043. She also participated in a Business Vitality Panel meeting discussing economic data and ongoing local projects to support businesses.
Councilmember Carmel reported on several transportation initiatives involving funding from the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), including additional funding from Measure B for 7 bike and pedestrian projects and innovation in adaptive signal technology. He also discussed progress towards the county-wide 2050 transportation plan and highlighted upcoming events, including the historic Dipsy race with participation from three council members.
Councilmember Joachim mentioned the opening of the mosaic depicting the Dipsy start line and reflected on presentations from Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers on various legislative efforts. She shared initial findings from the Live Well Mill Valley survey, noting community attachment and affordability concerns for older residents, and announced upcoming art events.
Mayor Burke complimented the success of the Memorial Day parade and breakfast, acknowledging staff efforts. He shared plans to attend a quarterly luncheon for district mayors and city managers, hosted by Marin County Supervisor Stephanie Moulton Peters. He also shared that he anticipated the soon to be operational food truck at the city’s golf course clubhouse.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Cusimano provided updates on several ongoing projects and initiatives, including:
• Praised the administrative and finance team for their work on digital services, DEI, and that they have addressed eight items within the city’s work plan. • Appreciation for Lieutenant McCrackin who just completed his master’s degree. • The city applied for an $8.3M federal grant to upgrade nearly 5,000 feet of drainage pipes, with a $2M local match.
• Confirmed that sea-level rise funds remain secure despite national funding cuts. • The Greater Mill Valley Field Break project progresses, focusing on wildfire prevention and energy management.
• Plans are underway to re-light the downtown plaza with vibrant displays for the holiday season.
• Staff, including Councilmember Joachim, are addressing pre-and post-2017 encroachment issues.
• A future presentation on the city’s financial management report and budget, prepared with support from Councilmember Carmel, will address fiscal transparency and planning.
OLD BUSINESS
11. Consideration of a Resolution Establishing a Citizens Oversight Committee for Measure L: The City of Mill Valley Sales Tax Measure.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 25-__.
Item 11_Measure L Citizen’s Oversight Committee_250602
Item 11_E-Comment 1_public comment on cc item Measure L Item 11_AMENDED_COC Work Plan_Updated June 2 2025
8 City Manager Cusimano presented a resolution to establish a Citizens Oversight Committee for Measure L, the recently passed sales tax measure. He outlined the proposed structure, responsibilities, and recruitment process for the committee.
Councilmembers discussed the scope of the committee's duties, reporting procedures, and strategies for ensuring diverse representation. They emphasized the importance of the committee in providing independent oversight of tax expenditures and the ability to make policy recommendations.
PUBLIC OPEN TIME
Mayor Burke opened Public Open Time.
Speakers: None.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Burke closed Public Open Time.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Carmel and SECONDED by Councilmember Jones to adopt the resolution. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 4-0-1 vote.
Councilmembers thanked staff for bringing the establishment of this committee forward.
COUNCIL REQUESTS AND IDEAS FOR DISCUSSION
ADJOURNMENT – The Council ADJOURNED at 8:58 p.m. – The next Regular City Council meeting will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Mill Valley City Council Chambers.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY
THE CITY COUNCIL OF MILL
VALLEY ON JULY 21, 2025
___________________________
Stephen Burke, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Risa De Ferrari, City Clerk