1 CITY OF MILL VALLEY
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ACTION MINUTES
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
26 CORTE MADERA AVENUE, MILL VALLEY
June 16, 2025
5:30 P.M.
Mayor Stephen Burke – Present
Vice Mayor Max Perrey – Present
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 Arts & Recreation Howe; Library Director Brenner; Digital Services Librarian Walther; Deputy Director of Human Resources Allingham; Human Resources Intern Portello; Deputy Director of Finance Atashkarian; Community Engagement Liaison Terrell; DEI Liaison Hernden; and City Clerk De Ferrari.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Burke called the meeting to order at 5:32 P.M.
ACTION OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
None.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA ORDER
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It was MOVED by Councilmember Carmel and SECONDED by Councilmember Joachim to approve the agenda order. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation in Recognition and Awareness of Juneteenth, June 19th, 2025.
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DEI Liaison Tammy Hernden presented on the city's fourth annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival.
She thanked the planning committee, including city staff and community members, and mentioned a forthcoming detailed presentation at a future Council meeting. 2 2. Presentation of the United Against Hate Utility Art box Project.
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DEI Liaison Hernden presented on the United Against Hate utility art box project. The project involved wrapping utility boxes with art featuring the message "Mill Valley stands united against hate," including a heart logo designed by Management Analyst II David Dubin and artwork by students. She thanked city staff, the Arts Commission, and partners involved.
Councilmembers praised the project's design and community feedback and thanked the Arts Commission, DEI Liaison Hernden, and staff for their efforts.
3. Presentation Declaring the Month of July as Parks Make Life Better! Month.
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Director of Arts & Recreation Ashley Howe presented on the Parks Make Life Better campaign, a statewide initiative by the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) to highlight the benefits of parks and recreation. Director Howe announced that the California State Assembly declared July 2025 as Parks Make Life Better Month. This initiative emphasizes parks and recreation's vital role in enhancing quality of life, including promoting health, economic vitality, and creating memorable experiences.
Director Howe and Mayor Burke read the proclamation, urging residents to embrace the spirit of parks and recreation in July.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was MOVED by Vice Mayor Perrey and SECONDED by Councilmember Carmel to adopt the Consent Calendar, Items #4 – 7. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
4. Consideration of the May 19, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting Action Minutes.
Recommended Action: Approve the action minutes.
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5. Consideration of the Adoption of an Amendment to the Regular City Council Meeting Schedule for 2025.
Recommended Action: Adopt the proposed amended schedule.
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6. Consideration of a Resolution to Approve the East Blithedale Guardrail Upgrade Project.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 25-___.
Item 6_EBlithedale Guardrail Update_No bids (PW23-5)_250616- 3 7. Consideration of a Budget Adjustment for Golf Course Upgrades.
Recommended Action: Receive report and approve the budget adjustment.
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Item 7_BA Golf Course CIP_250616
PUBLIC OPEN TIME
Mayor Burke opened Public Open Time.
Speakers: Kristi Denton Cohen; Steven Moazed.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Burke closed Public Open Time.
COUNCIL/STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS Vice Mayor Perrey reported that Marin Clean Energy (MCE) did not hold a meeting in May.
He attended the final meeting of the year for the Environmental Quality Committee of the League of California Cities, where positions on various bills were reassessed. He also met with Councilmember Jones and Mill Valley School Board liaisons and announced his upcoming presentation on e-bike initiatives and AB 1778 implementation. He noted it was his 17th year participating in the Dipsea race.
Councilmember Joachim shared details about the upcoming legislative committee meeting on Monday. She also touched upon the state legislature passing the 2025 budget and Monique Limon being elected as the new Senate President pro tempore. She provided insights into the Mill Valley Music Festival feedback from the Mill Valley Chamber Board meeting. Councilmember Joachim attended the grand opening of Homeward Bound's Jelardi Training and Event Center. She also reported on the turnout and participation of other councilmembers in the Dipsea race.
Councilmember Carmel discussed his participation in the Dipsea race. He reported on transportation issues, including a meeting with the Tiburon City Council about State Route 131.
He mentioned ongoing discussions about a potential housing parcel tax that may be coming up on the next one to three years. Councilmember Carmel noted an upcoming off-site meeting with McKinsey & Company to discuss topics such as transportation, economic vitality, and artificial intelligence. He promoted the Comedy on the Plaza event on June 26th and highlighted a significant gathering of Seniors for Peace focused on immigration.
Councilmember Jones attended the Caltrans and Tiburon Public Forum on June 4th and participated in a city and school district liaison meeting with Vice Mayor Perrey on June 11th and 4 discussion related to AB 3216. She also shared that she took part in the Dipsea race with her fellow councilmembers.
Mayor Burke reported on the dedication of new Community Refuge Area signs, a collaborative project funded by Mill Valley Rotary, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary, with support from the city and Southern Marin Fire.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Cusimano took a moment to acknowledge and thank city staff for a series of special events. He also mentioned an upcoming event that will focus on staff acknowledgement.
NEW BUSINESS
8. Authorize the City Manager to Finalize and Execute a Paid Parental Leave Policy.
Recommended Action: Receive report and authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute with any revisions approved by the City Attorney.
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Deputy Director of Human Resources Seth Allingham and Human Resources Intern Audrey Portello proposed a new paid parental leave policy offering 320 hours (8 weeks) of paid leave for eligible city employees welcoming a new child.
City Manager Cusimano highlighted that this policy represents a pioneering step for Mill Valley and emphasized its adaptability for future adjustments by the Council.
Councilmembers asked staff questions about the research and development of this new policy and the potential to build upon it further in the future.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Burke opened public comment.
Speakers: None.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Burke closed public comment.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Carmel and SECONDED by Councilmember Jones to approve the policy and authorize the City Manager to execute with any revisions approved by the City Attorney. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
Councilmembers thanked staff for their work on this new policy. 5 9. Presentation on the Library Creekside Room Audio/Visual (A/V) Upgrade.
Recommended Action: Receive the presentation.
Item 9_Library Creekside Audiovisual_Presentation_250616- Library Director Anij Brenner and Digital Services Librarian Franklin Walther presented the Creekside Room Audio/Visual upgrade, funded by the Friends of the Library. The project enhanced sound, video, and added an assistive listening system to improve accessibility, especially for those with hearing impairments. Director Brenner shared her personal experience with hearing loss and offered communication tips for the hearing-impaired. Librarian Walther detailed the upgrades: new projector and screen, ceiling speakers, a staff touchscreen control, video recording, and an assistive listening system with hearing loop, WiFi, and FM radio.
Councilmembers asked questions and made comments about the presentation.
Councilmembers requested a follow-up in 6-12 months to assess its impact.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Burke opened public comment.
Speakers: None.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Burke closed public comment.
Councilmembers expressed their appreciation for the project and staff execution of it.
10. Consideration of a Resolution approving the 2025-2034 Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Report.
Recommended Action: Receive the presentation and adopt the draft resolution.
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Director of Public Works Andrew Poster and Consultant Ben Schick from Schaff and Wheeler Consulting Civil Engineers, presented the 2025-2034 Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvement Plan, which earmarks $34.5 million for maintaining and enhancing Mill Valley's 56 miles of sewer pipes over ten years. Key elements include: assessing the system's condition with CCTV (closed-circuit television) inspections, which are crucial for identifying repairs; rehabilitation projects focused primarily on sewer mains; and ramping up flow monitoring and CCTV efforts. Council inquiries covered potential impacts of climate change, considerations for housing growth, the CCTV inspection process, and manhole degradation.
Councilmembers asked questions and made comments about the presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
6 Mayor Burke opened public comment.
Speakers: None.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Burke closed public comment.
It was MOVED by Vice Mayor Perrey and SECONDED by Councilmember Joachim to adopt the resolution. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
Councilmembers expressed their thanks for the plan and report.
11. Consideration of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Revision.
Recommended Action: Receive report and approve the proposed revisions to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget.
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Deputy Director of Finance Trevor Atashkarian reported on the FY 2025-2026 midterm budget, indicating an $8.4 million revenue growth and a $6.5 million increase in expenditures. He noted the general fund revenues rise by $3.6 million, mainly from grants, with stable property taxes but a slight dip in sales tax. Investment income is expected to double.
City Manager Cusimano noted the strong alignment with financial strategy. He mentioned challenges in Parks and Recreation due to rising costs and proposed the formation of a working group to address cost recovery. Vice Mayor Perrey and Councilmember Jones offered their support of this working group.
Councilmembers asked a wide range of questions of staff related to the presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Burke opened public comment.
Speakers: None.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Burke closed public comment.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Carmel and SECONDED by Councilmember Jones to approve the proposed revisions to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
Mayor Burke thanked Deputy Director of Finance Atashkarian, City Manager Cusimano and Department Heads for their efforts with respect to the budget. 7 PUBLIC HEARING
12. Consideration Of a Resolution to Continue to Levy and Collect Assessments for The Tamalpais Park Street Tree Assessment District (TPSTAD) for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
Recommended Action: Hold a Public Hearing and Adopt Resolution No. 25-___.
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Item 12_E-Comment 1_Tamalpais Park Street Tree Assessment DistrictMayor Burke opened the public hearing.
Director of Public Works Poster provided a brief overview of the Tamalpais Park Street Tree Assessment District, which raises about $12,000 annually for maintenance of specialized trees in the Tam Park neighborhood.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Burke opened public comment.
Speakers: None.
Communications (via eComment): Mayor Burke read a public comment from Burton Miller, President of the Tamalpais Park Neighborhood Association, expressing support for the assessment district and indicating plans to work with city staff to potentially increase the assessment in the future.
Mayor Burke closed public comment.
Mayor Burke made a motion to close the public hearing.
It was MOVED by Vice Mayor Perrey and SECONDED by Councilmember Joachim to close the public hearing and adopt the resolution. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
COUNCIL REQUESTS AND IDEAS FOR DISCUSSION
ADJOURNMENT – The Council ADJOURNED at 8:44 p.m. – The next Regular City Council meeting will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Mill Valley City Council Chambers.
8 Approved and adopted by the City Council of
the City of Mill Valley on July 21, 2025.
___________________________
Stephen Burke, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Risa De Ferrari, City Clerk