1 CITY OF MILL VALLEY
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ACTION MINUTES
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
26 CORTE MADERA AVENUE, MILL VALLEY
July 21, 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; Community Engagement Liaison Terrell; and City Clerk De Ferrari. 2025 SALES TAX COMMITTEE RECRUITMENT INTERVIEWS: 4:00–4:45 P.M.
Item 9_Appointment of Citizen Oversight Committee_250721 Interview Advanced Responses_Daro, Becky_Sales Tax COC_250721 Interview _Advanced Responses_Austin, Emmet _Sales Tax COC_250721 Interviews were conducted via teleconference and in-person in Council Chambers. All applicants who applied attended the interview.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Burke called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.
ACTION OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
None.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA ORDER
Agenda_250721
Mayor Burke requested approval of the agenda order with one amendment, to hear Item #8 on AB 306 prior to Item #7 on the Parking Study.
It was MOVED by Vice Mayor Perrey and SECONDED by Councilmember Jones to approve the agenda order with one amendment to hear Item #8 prior to Item #7. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
2 PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation of a Proclamation Honoring Muir Woods Park Community Association’s 90th Anniversary.
Item 1_Proclamation 90th Anniversary of Muir Woods Park Community Association_250721
Mayor Burke invited Nancy Klasky Gribler from the Muir Woods Park Community Association to read a proclamation recognizing their historic contributions and declaring 2025 as a year of celebration.
Mayor Burke opened public comment.
Speakers: None.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Burke closed public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Burke introduced the Consent Calendar items and asked if any items needed to be pulled for separate discussion. City Manager Todd Cusimano requested that Item #5 be pulled for a brief discussion and amendment.
Mayor Burke opened public comment, seeing no speakers and confirming there were no comments online, Mayor Burke closed public comment.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Carmel and SECONDED by Councilmember Joachim to adopt the Consent Calendar, Items #2 - #4, pulling Item #5 for discussion. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
2. Consideration of the June 2, 2025, June 16, 2025, August 7, 2023, and September 7, 2023, Regular City Council Meeting Action Minutes.
Recommended Action: Approve the action minutes.
Item 2_Under Separate Cover_Action Minutes_250721-
Item 2_City Council Meeting Action Minutes_250721
3. Consideration of a Resolution with Amendments to Form 700 and Committee Composition Requirements for the Sales Tax Citizens Oversight Committee for Measure L: The City of Mill Valley Sales Tax Measure
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 25-___ and the updated Committee Work Plan (Exhibit A).
3 Item 3_Sales Tax Oversight Committee Amendments_250721
4. Consideration of a Resolution Approving the 2025 Road Stabilization Project Plans, Specifications & Estimate (PS&E), and the filing of a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) notice of exemption and Authorizing the City Manager to award the bid & execute a construction contract with the lowest qualified responsive & responsible bidder for the 2025 Road Stabilization Project.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 25-___.
Item 4_2025 Road Stabilization Report_250721
5. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Right to Enter Agreement with Flood Control Zone 3.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 25-___.
Item 5_Flood Zone Right to Enter_250721
Regarding Item #5, City Manager Cusimano thanked Councilmember Joachim for reviewing the agreements and identifying several non-consequential changes that would need county counsel review. The proposed changes included:
In Section 5, page 2, the last sentence would be amended to read that any damage "will be repaired to the condition that existed immediately prior to the damage" (replacing "to its previous condition") while keeping the phrase "to the extent possible." In Section 6, first sentence, changing "county" to "the district" in "the district shall be free from all liability."
In Section 8 under notices, adding the City of Mill Valley Department of Public Works and address.
With no further discussion or public comment, the Consent Calendar was approved.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Carmel and SECONDED by Councilmember Joachim to adopt the Item #5 with the proposed changes. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
PUBLIC OPEN TIME
Mayor Burke opened Public Open Time.
Speakers: Vanessa Justice.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Burke closed Public Open Time.
COUNCIL/STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS 4 Vice Mayor Perrey attended his first history talk at the library, highlighting its popularity and encouraging attendance at the monthly events held every first Wednesday in the Creekside Room.
He informed the Council of the MCE (Marin Clean Energy) board's decision to raise the Deep Green premium to 1.25 cents per kilowatt-hour with considerable opposition from Marin representatives and announced a new 24/7 renewable electricity program for municipal accounts, differing from Deep Green’s usual annual approach, allowing flexibility for the City in opting usage.
Councilmember Joachim updated that site visits were conducted with Public Works staff to review potential encroachments on city steps, lanes, and paths. The Live Well Mill Valley initiative is set to hold focus groups on August 7 at The Redwoods and September 17 at the Mill Valley Community Center for community feedback. She highlighted meetings held with age- and disability-friendly leaders and a visit to Whistlestop with Supervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters and Christy Dento Cohen. Additionally, she attended the Porch's opening at the Mill Valley Golf Course and noted that the Beautification Brigade is enhancing downtown by cleaning and hanging flower baskets, funded by a Mill Valley Chamber grant.
Councilmember Carmel noted the MASCOTS (Marin-Sonoma Coordinated Transit Service Plan) program listening sessions aimed at optimizing transit due to the SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit) train expansion efforts, allowing bus service shifts to Southern Marin. He acknowledged concerns about the crossing guard program, potentially reducing from 96 to 68 guards if no new funding emerges. He mentioned the Kelly Brush Foundation plans to repeat its annual Mill Valley ride on October 25, repeating last year's success in raising $200,000 for spinal injury support. Lastly, he mentioned Caltrans is utilizing adaptive signal technology on Highway 101 on-ramps to improve traffic flow during peak hours.
Councilmember Jones reported her attendance at the June 25 ribbon cutting for "Mum," the popular bear sculpture by Robert and Lisa Ferguson. At the June 26 MWPA (Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority) board meeting, strategic measures for goal 2 on detection, alerts, and evacuation were adopted. Jones highlighted her visit to the Porch 1919 at the golf course, commended by her son for its french fries. She also discussed the TMAC (Traffic & Mobility Advisory Committee) meeting, which deliberated on coordination with the Kelly Brush Foundation for an event on October 25 and a cycling event in the spring.
Mayor Burke provided updates from the Staff Appreciation Day in June, revealing over 25% staff having worked for the city over a decade, average service time is 7.4 years, seven staff have worked more than 20 years including Captain Lindsey Haynes. Notably, Roberto Alberto and Frank Zanco have the longest tenure in Public Works at 31 and nearly 29 years, respectively. The Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin operates efficiently, and the Richardson Bay Regional Authority's efforts have reduced vessels to twelve, with a focus on promoting a healthier ecosystem. The Mill Valley Golf Course, managed by Touchstone Golf, increased rounds to nearly 39,000 this past year, with revenue nearing $900,000. The Porch 1919 food truck will run from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM during the summer. The Mayor thanked Jason Turpin from Tamalpais Construction for his contributions to make the facility ADA compliant and building the commissary.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
5 City Manager Cusimano made no comments.
PUBLIC HEARING
6. Consideration Of a Resolution to Continue to Levy and Collect the Annual Sewer Service Charge for Fiscal Year 2025/26 Pursuant to Chapter 17.04 of the MV Municipal Code and Ordering the Annual Sewer Service Charge to be Collected on the County of Marin Tax Roll.
Recommended Action: Hold a Public Hearing and Adopt Resolution No. 25-___.
Item 6_Annual Levy Sewer Fees_250721
Mayor Burke opened the public hearing on the annual sewer service charge.
City Manager Cusimano explained that the city implements a sewer service charge, as authorized by California Health and Safety Code Section 5470, to fund the sewer system's operations, maintenance, and improvements, as well as treatment by the Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin (SASM). The proposed action was to authorize fee collection through the county tax roll. While the fee had increased by 0.64% for FY 2024-25, no increase was recommended for the next year.
A sewer rate study is underway to explore potential shared services with other districts and a longterm strategy for modest future fee increases.
Councilmembers made comments.
Councilmember Carmel suggested the need for historical perspective on these fees and to utilize benchmarks to better understand the impact of changes over time.
There being no public comment, Mayor Burke closed the public hearing.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Carmel and SECONDED by Vice Mayor Perrey to adopt the Resolution. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
NEW BUSINESS
Agenda Order approved to hear Item #8 before Item #7.
7. Parking Study Findings and Direction on Parking Code Update Recommended Action: Receive report and provide direction to staff.
Item 7_Parking Study_250721
Item 7_Public Comment 1_ Downtown Parking Regulations
Item 7_Public Comment 2_Parking Study
Planning & Building Director Patrick Kelly presented parking study findings, focusing on challenges with adaptive reuse and infill development due to outdated parking ordinances from the 1980s. The study aims to balance parking supply and demand, comply with state regulations, align 6 with general plan goals for housing, economic development, and climate action, and simplify development approvals.
Director Kelly introduced the Walker Consultants team, including Chrissy Mancini Nichols and Tanya Schleck, who conducted the study. Tanya Schleck presented the data collection methodology, findings, and recommendations.
It was noted that the Planning Commission generally supported eliminating parking requirements for projects under 5,000 square feet and using the 3 per 1,000 square feet ratio for larger projects.
Mayor Burke opened public comment.
Speakers: Mark Jones, Greg Hildebrand, Bruce Tremaine, Heidi Richardson.
Communications (via eComment): Mary Dilts and Adam Lynch emailed letters in advance of the meeting which were added to the public record.
Mayor Burke closed public comment.
After extensive discussion, the Council reached consensus on the five recommendations presented through the presentation.
Mayor Burke closed the discussion by noting that the Council's direction was focused on the parking ordinance, while parking management strategies would be addressed separately in a future discussion.
8. Status Of Proposed Assembly Bill 306 And Implications for Amendments of the City’s Building Code.
Recommended Action: Receive presentation and provide direction to staff as appropriate.
Item 8_Council Assembly Bill 308_250721-
Item 8_Public Comment 1_July 17, 2025 advocacy letter on reach codes Item 8_Public Comment 2_AB 306 update - City Council Meeting Monday July 21, 2025 Item 8_Public Comment 3_Support to Adopt Green Building Reach Codes by Oct. 1, 2025
City Manager Cusimano informed the Council that Assembly Bill 306 sets an October 1, 2025, deadline for local building code amendments with restrictions on modifications until 2031.
Despite identifying two potential exemptions, he proposed an ordinance process for compliance assurance and recommended a special meeting on August 11 followed by a second reading on August 18, canceling the August 4 meeting.
Grace Ledwith, Climate Action/Sustainability Coordinator, noted updating the building codes is a priority in the work plan and Climate Action Plan. The city has adopted CalGreen Tier 1 for new construction, which is 10-15% better than base code and includes EV readiness. Staff 7 is considering the FlexPath Reach Code for remodels and additions, offering a menu of energy measures for property owners. Ms. Ledwith highlighted the differences in Marin jurisdictions’ approaches and square footage thresholds, recommending continued Tier 1 implementation while adopting the FlexPath code by the October 1 deadline.
Danielle Staude, Principal Planner, clarified that while there is a deadline, exemptions exist that could potentially allow for later adoption, but staff prefer to move forward now given the uncertainty around the new state law, which has not yet been tested in court.
Councilmembers asked questions about the timeline, thresholds, and how Mill Valley's approach aligns with other jurisdictions. Discussion centered on the importance of consistency across the county to avoid confusion for contractors and property owners.
Mayor Burke opened public comment.
Speakers: Ken Brooks, Greg Hildebrand.
Communications (via eComment): Sustainable Mill Valley, Antonina Markoff, Margaret Fisher emailed letters in advance of the meeting which were added to the public record.
Mayor Burke closed public comment.
After discussion, the Council reached consensus to proceed with scheduling a special meeting on August 11 for the first reading of the ordinance, with the second reading to occur at the regular August 18 meeting and canceling the August 4 meeting.
9. Consideration of a Resolution Making Appointments to the Sales Tax Citizens Oversight Committee for Measure L: The City of Mill Valley Sales Tax Measure.
Recommended Action: Confirm appointments and adopt Resolution No. 25-___ Item 9_Appointment of Citizen Oversight Committee_250721 Mayor Burke explained that earlier that day, the Council had interviewed candidates for the Sales Tax Citizens Oversight Committee. Based on those interviews, the Council recommended appointing: Emmet Austin, Glenn Berger, Jerry Cahill (2-year term), Becky Daro, Gavin Fisco, John McAuley (2-year term), and Elizabeth Mooney.
There was a brief discussion about the number of appointees receiving 2-year terms, with Council deciding to allow committee members to determine among themselves if an additional member of the committee wishes to take a 2-year term rather than the Council deciding on a third two year term.
It was MOVED by Vice Mayor Perrey and SECONDED by Councilmember Joachim to adopt the Resolution with the proposed amendment to the Resolution to permit only two members serving two year terms. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
COUNCIL REQUESTS AND IDEAS FOR DISCUSSION
None.
8 ADJOURNMENT – The Council ADJOURNED at 9:03 p.m. to a date certain, August 18, 2025, for the next Regular City Council meeting. Please note that the August 4, 2025, Regular City Council meeting has been cancelled and that two Special Council meetings have been added to the calendar on August 11, 2025 and August 12, 2025.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE MILL VALLEY
CITY COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
___________________________
Stephen Burke, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Risa De Ferrari, City Clerk