CITY OF MILL VALLEY
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ACTION MINUTES
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
26 CORTE MADERA AVENUE, MILL VALLEY
January 20, 2025
5:30 P.M.
Mayor Max Perrey — Present via Teleconference
Vice Mayor Caroline Joachim — Present
Councilmember Urban Carmel — Present
Councilmember Katherine Jone — Present
Councilmember Stephen Burke — Present
City Staff Present: City Manager Cusimano; Chief of Police Navarro; Police Captain Haynes; Management Analyst Bricca; Principal Planner Staude; Director of Public Works Poster; Deputy Director of Public Works Barrilleaux; City Clerk Intern Craft; City Clerk De Ferrari.
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Mayor Joachim called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. confirming Mayor Perrey was present via teleconference and that any motions would be called by a rollcall vote.
ACTION OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
None.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA ORDER
Adjournment in memory of beloved colleague, partner, and friend Stewart Munson.
Agenda_260120
Agenda_AMENDED_260120
Vice Mayor Joachim announced that the meeting would be adjourned in memory of beloved colleague, partner and friend Stewart Munson.
City Manager Cusimano spoke in memory of Stewart Munson Several City Staff members spoke in memory of Stewart Munson including Management Analyst Bricca, and City Clerk De Ferrari.
Donna Munson spoke in memory of her husband, Stewert Munson.
City Manager Cusimano requested to remove Item #11 from the agenda and move it to a future City Council meeting.
Regular City Council Meeting Agenda, January 20, 2026
2 It was MOVED by Councilmember Carmel and SECONDED by Mayor Perrey to approve the agenda order. The Motion was carried unanimously by a rollcall 5-0 vote.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation by the Mill Valley Historical Society of the Heritage Home Plaque Program.
Item 1. Heritage Plague Program Presentation_260120
Lisa Newman gave a presentation on the Mill Valley Historical Society’s Heritage Home Plaque Program. The Mill Valley Historical Society partnered with the 125th Anniversary Steering Committee to develop a program to acknowledge historical homes in the 94941-zip code.
Councilmembers thanked Lisa Newman for her presentation and shared appreciation for the work done by the Mill Valley Historical Society.
Lisa Newman presented honorary plagues to Councilmember Carmel and resident Joan Murray.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Joachim asked if any member of the public wished to pull any items from the consent calendar.
Councilmember Burke requested to pull Item #3 for further consideration and move the item to a future City Council meeting. There were no requests from the public or online participants.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Burke and SECONDED by Councilmember Carmel to adopt the Consent Calendar, Items #2, #4-9. The Motion was carried by a rollcall 5-0 vote.
2. Consideration of November 17, 2025, December 8, 2025, and January 22, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting Action Minutes.
Recommended Action: Approve the action minutes.
Item 2. Under Seperate Cover_CC Minutes_260120
Item 2. CC Action Minutes_260120
3. Confirmation of the Mayor’s City Council Liaison Assignments for 2025-2026.
Recommended Action: Discuss and confirm assignments.
Item 3. BCC Liaison Assignments_260120
Item 3. AMENDED_2026 Council Liaison Assignments_redlined Item 3. SECOND AMENDED_BCC Liasion Assignments_200120
Regular City Council Meeting Agenda, January 20, 2026
3 4. Second Reading and adoption of an Ordinance to repeal Ordinance 24-1348 and amend Title 20 “Zoning”, Section 20.12.020 to reaffirm the rezoning of the proposed Housing Site from the “O-A” (Open Area) Zoning District to the “RM-B” (Multifamily Residential-Bayfront) Zoning District and update the Zoning Map accordingly.
Recommended Action: Adopt the Ordinance No.__, by title only, and waive second reading.
Item 4. Hamilton Rezone Second Reading_260120
5. Consideration of a Resolution Approving the 2026 Preventative Maintenance Project Plans, Specifications, and Cost Estimate (PS&E) and the filing of a CEQA Notice of Exemption; and Authorizing the City Manager to Award the Bid and Execute the Contract with the Lowest Responsive/Responsible Bidder.
Recommended Action: Adopt the Resolution 26-__.
Item 5. 2026 Preventative Maint Project_260120
6. Consideration of a Resolution Accepting as Complete the East Blithedale Avenue at Elm Avenue Drainage Improvements Project.
Recommended Action: Adopt the Resolution 26-__.
Item 6. NOC Elm Drainage Improvements_260120
7. Consideration of a Resolution Renewing Engineering and Traffic Survey to Support Established Vehicle Speed Limits.
Recommended Action: Adopt the Resolution 26-__.
Item 7. Traffic Study_260120
Item 7. Traffic Study_Attachment 2_260120
8. Consideration of a Resolution to Approve the Final Parcel Map for Condominium Purposes, at 20 Sunnyside Avenue, and authorizing the City Clerk to sign the Parcel Map Certification.
Recommended Action: Adopt the Resolution 26-__.
Item 8. Sunnyside Parcel_260120
9. Consideration of a Resolution Approving the Ethel Avenue Roadway Stabilization Project Plans, Specifications & Estimate (PS&E), and the filing of a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Notice of Exemption and Authorize the City Manager the Ethel Avenue Roadway Stabilization Project Plans, Specifications & Estimate (PS&E), and the filing of a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Notice of Exemption.
Recommended Action: Adopt the Resolution 26-__.
Item 9. Ethel Ave Roadway Stabilization Design-construction_260120 Regular City Council Meeting Agenda, January 20, 2026
4 PUBLIC OPEN TIME
Vice Mayor Joachim opened Public Open Time.
Speakers: 1) Richard Owens
Communications (via eComment): None.
Vice Mayor Joachim closed Public Open Time.
COUNCIL/STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS Councilmember Burke reported that the Richardson Bay Regional Authority has its first meeting this year. He noted that the Authority is continuing to reduce anchoring in Richardson Bay, promote eelgrass restoration, and is currently testing submersible planting technology.
Councilmember Jones reported that the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority meeting was cancelled and had no other announcements.
Councilmember Carmel reported that community resident, Ellen Siebold, passed away. Siebold was a founding member of the Mill Valley Library Foundation. Councilmember Carmel reported that Marin Transit will retain the Marin Transit Bus 17. Councilmember Carmel attended a Safe Routes to School meeting with Councilmember Jones. He reported on the progress of State Route 313 overpass project. Councilmember Carmel announced that the Municipal Task Force will have their first meeting on January 26.
Mayor Perrey reported that Marin Clean Energy will conduct a review to address the agency’s growth. He also noted the approval of a new finance committee. Mayor Perrey reported on a recent meeting with Senator Schiff’s new Northern California Field Representative regarding Mill Valley priorities.
Vice Mayor Joachim reported that the Arts Commission is seeking musical artists for a concert on September 16th and are working to secure funding for more public arts on Miller Avenue.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Cusimano highlighted the tax relief application from the County of Marin for properties damaged by storm surge flooding. He reported on the major telecommunications outage during the recent storm. City Manager Cusimano commended City Staff for their coordination.
Regular City Council Meeting Agenda, January 20, 2026
5 PUBLIC HEARING
10. Consideration of an Energy Services Contract with SYSERCO Energy Services Solutions (SES) for LED Lighting Upgrades at the Community Center, Public Safety Building, and Library pursuant to California Government Code Section 4217.12.
Recommended Action: Conduct a Public Hearing, Adopt Resolution No. 26-__.
Item 10. Syserco Energy Services Contract LED Upgrades_260120 Public Works Director Poster presented the contract with SYSERCO Energy Solutions (SES) for LED Lighting upgrades. The project complies with a state law that took effect on January 1st which prohibits the purchase of fluorescent or incandescent lights.
Councilmembers made comments.
Vice Mayor Joachim opened public comment.
Speakers: None.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Vice Mayor Joachim closed public comment.
Councilmembers thanked Public Works Director Poster for the presentation.
It was MOVED by Mayor Perrey and SECONDED Councilmember Burke to conduct the public hearing and adopt the resolution authorizing an Emergency Services Contract with SYSERCO Energy Services Solutions (SES) for LED lighting upgrades at the Community Center, Public Safety Building, and Library pursuant to California Government Code Section 4217.12. The motion was carried by a rollcall 5-0 vote.
NEW BUSINESS
11. Consideration of a Policy for Residential On-Street Parking for Persons with Disabilities.
Recommended Action: Approve the Policy
Item 11. Residential On-Street ADA Parking_260120
12. Consider of a Resolution to Amend the MV2040 General Plan Safety & Hazards Element (“Safety Element”) and Find That the Project is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) and Section 15308 (Class 8).
Recommended Action: Adopt the Resolution 26-__.
Item 12. Safety Element_260120
Regular City Council Meeting Agenda, January 20, 2026
6 Principal Planner Danielle Staude presented the proposed amendment to the Safety Element of the General Plan. The update is focused on preparing and responding to natural and man-made disasters. The process involved extensive collaboration with the Emergency Preparedness Commission (EPC), Police Department, Public Works Department, and Southern Marin Fire Department.
Councilmembers asked questions and shared comments.
Vice Mayor Joachim opened for public comment.
Speakers: 1) Richard Owens 2) Leah Curtis (EPC) 3) Kevin Richie (EPC) Communications (via eComment): None.
Vice Mayor Joachim closed public comment.
Councilmembers thanked Principal Planner Staude for the presentation and commended City Staff and Commissioners for their interdepartmental collaboration.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Burke and SECONDED by Councilmember Jones to adopt the resolution to amend the MV2040 General Plan Safety & Hazards Element (“Safety Element”) and Find That the Project is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) and Section 15308 (Class 8). The motion was carried by a rollcall 5-0 vote.
COUNCIL REQUESTS AND IDEAS FOR DISCUSSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT – The Council ADJOURNED at 7:40 p.m. in memory of beloved colleague, partner, and friend Stewart Munson.
The next Regular City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Mill Valley City Council Chambers.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE MILL
VALLEY CITY COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 17, 2026
___________________________
Max Perrey, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Risa De Ferrari, City Clerk