REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
ACTION MINUTES
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
26 CORTE MADERA AVENUE, MILL VALLEY
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2026
5:30 P.M.
Mayor Max Perrey — Present
Vice Mayor Caroline Joachim — Present
Councilmember Urban Carmel — Present
Councilmember Katherine Jones — Present
Councilmember Stephen Burke — Present
City Staff Present: City Manager Cusimano; City Attorney Khalsa; Deputy Director of Human Resources Allingham; Senior Management Analyst and Assistant to the City Manager Rogers; Community and Culture Liaison Herndon; Director of Public Works Poster; Management Analyst I Kadlec; Director of Planning and Building Kelly; Senior Planner Allen; City Clerk Intern Craft; City Clerk De Ferrari.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Perrey called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.
Moment of silence to honor the nine victims of the February 2026 Lake Tahoe avalanche, which deeply impacted the local community and claimed the lives of Marin residents Danielle Keatley of Larkspur, Kate Morse of Tiburon, and Kate Vitt of Greenbrae.
Councilmembers observed a moment of silence to honor the nine victims of the February 2026 Lake Tahoe avalanche.
ACTION OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
None.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA ORDER
Agenda_final_260316
Adjournment in Memory of Beloved Long-Time Mill Valley Resident Trisha Garlock, Kiddo! Education Foundation Leader.
Regular City Council Meeting Agenda, Monday, March 16, 2026 2 Vice Mayor Joachim requested moving Council and Staff Announcements and Council Liaison Reports to the end of the meeting.
It was MOVED by Vice Mayor Joachim and SECONDED by Councilmember Burke to approve the agenda order with the above recorded change. The motion was carried unanimously with a 5-0 vote.
Mayor Perrey announced that the meeting would be adjourned in memory of Trisha Garlock, beloved Mill Valley resident and leader of the Kiddo! Education Foundation.
Councilmembers spoke in memory of Trisha Garlock and praised her leadership in the community.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring the Month of March 2026 as Women’s History Month.
Item 1. Women’s History Month Proclamation_260316
Community and Culture Liaison Herndon presented the proclamation declaring the Month of March 2026 as Women’s History Month.
Speakers: 1) Tammy Herndon 2) Nancy Miller 3) Natalie Katz 4) Emily Horne 5) Shirley Hasley 6) Councilmember Jones 7) Vice Mayor Joachim 8) Mayor Perrey.
Councilmembers thanked Community and Culture Liaison Herndon for the presentation of the proclamation.
2. Presentation of a Proclamation Honoring Volunteer All-Star Kendra Pollack.
No Written Material_Volunteer All-Star Proclamation_Kendra Pollack_260316 Councilmembers read the proclamation aloud, honoring Kendra Pollack as a Volunteer AllStar.
Kendra Pollack thanked Councilmembers for the award and spoke about her volunteer experience.
Members of the public spoke in support of Kendra Pollack.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Perrey asked if any members of the public or Councilmembers wished to pull any items from the Consent Calendar.
There were no requests from the public or online participants.
Councilmember Carmel requested to pull Item #3 from the Consent Calendar for a separate discussion.
Regular City Council Meeting Agenda, Monday, March 16, 2026 3 Councilmembers and City Manager Cusimano discussed, Item #3, the 2026 City Council Policies and Guidelines, and suggested highlighting top priorities in future Work Plans.
Councilmember Carmel highlighted specific policy items and changes being proposed with this update. He also offered specific suggestions to be considered in a future policy update.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Carmel and SECONDED by Councilmember Burke to approve Item #3 on the Consent Calendar. The motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Burke and SECONDED by Councilmember Carmel to adopt the Consent Calendar, Items #4-7. The motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
3. Approval of the 2026 City Council Policies and Guidelines.
Recommended Action: Approve the 2026 City Council Policies and Guidelines.
Item 3. MV Council Policies Update_260316
4. Second Reading and Adoption of Two Ordinances to Amend Title 14 (“Buildings and Construction Code”) of the Mill Valley Municipal Code (MVMC) to Adopt Local Regulations for Certain Residential and Non-Residential Constructions Projects, Including Clarifications and the Readoption of Local Green Building, Energy Efficiency, and Electric Vehicle Readiness Requirements as it Relates to the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards and Energy Codes (Title 24, Parts 6 and 11); and the Adoption of New Chapter 14,49 to Establish Low-Carbon Concrete Standards as it Relates to the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11).
Recommended Action: Adopt Ordinance No. ___ and Ordinance No. ___.
Item 4. Green Code and Concrete Ordinance Updates_260316
5. Consideration of the Purchase and Installation of Temporary Public Art for Three Miller Avenue Locations for Lumisphere Lighted Sculptures.
Recommended Action: Approve the Purchase and Installation of two additional Lumisphere lighted sculptures, by artist Colin Selig.
Item 5. Public Art Sculpture_260316
6. Consideration of a Resolution Accepting as Complete the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No.__.
Item 6. NOC_2025 Sanitary Sewer Improvement_260316
Regular City Council Meeting Agenda, Monday, March 16, 2026 4 7. Consideration of a Resolution to Award a Professional Services Agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for the 2026 Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project to Include Construction Management and Inspection Services for the Rehabilitation of Sanitary Sewers on and within Several Streets in the City of Mill Valley.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No.__.
Item 7. Approve CM Contract 2026 Sewer Improvements_260316
PUBLIC OPEN TIME
Mayor Perrey opened Public Open Time.
Speakers: 1) John McCauley 2) Richard Owens 3) Joann Farrens Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Perrey closed Public Open Time.
COUNCIL/STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS None.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
None.
City Manager Cusimano and Mayor Perrey suggested New Business be heard prior to Old Business to prioritize community and staff business who were present in the Council Chambers.
New Business Items #9-11 were heard prior to Old Business Item #8 on the agenda.
OLD BUSINESS
8. Consideration of the City Council 2026 Work Plan Update with the Addition of an Executive Summary and Prioritized Projects.
Recommended Action: Receive report and confirm updated 2026 Work Plan.
Publish Under Separate Cover_Updated 2026 Workplan w Exec Summary_PUSC_260316
Item 8_2026-2027 Work Plan Revisions_260316
Item 8. Att 1. AMENDED_February 2, 2026 Approved 2026-27 Work Plan_260209_260316_redlined
Regular City Council Meeting Agenda, Monday, March 16, 2026 5 Item 8. Att 2. AMENDED_2026-2027 Work Plan Revisions_260316_redlined City Manager Cusimano presented the City Council 2026 Work Plan update, explained the process, and changes associated with prioritized projects.
Councilmembers asked questions and made comments.
Councilmember Jones referenced a slight change to the TOT item. City Manager Cusimano further discussed Council’s consideration and timing associated with the TOT. It was suggested the item be scheduled for assessment in 2027.
Vice Mayor Joachim proposed highlighting Critical Infrastructure and Fiscal Sustainability as top priorities for the City Council, City Manager, and City. Mayor Perrey suggested adding One Hamilton/Bayview Terrace as a third top priority.
Councilmembers agreed on highlighting the three above stated items, Critical Infrastructure, Fiscal Sustainability, and One Hamilton/Bayview Terrace as top priorities on the Work Plan for Council, City Manager, and staff.
Mayor Perrey opened public comment.
Speakers: 1) Richard Owen
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Perrey closed public comment.
Councilmembers thanked City Manager Cusimano for the presentation.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Burke and SECONDED by Councilmember Jones to confirm the City Council 2026 Work Plan Update with the Addition of Prioritized Projects. The motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
NEW BUSINESS
9. Consideration of City Council Options for Tobacco Sales Regulations.
Recommended Action: Receive report and provide recommendations to staff.
Publish Under Separate Cover_Tobacco Regulation Ordinance_PUSC_260316 Item 9. Tobacco Regulation Ordinance_260316
Item 9_E-COMMENTS_(no. 1 - no. 19)
Regular City Council Meeting Agenda, Monday, March 16, 2026 6 Senior Management Analyst Rodgers introduced options for tobacco sales regulations and introduced Anita Rinzatti, Senior Program Coordinator, for County Tobacco Prevention.
Senior Program Coordinator Rinzatti presented the County update related to tobacco control and prevention.
Speaker: 1) Raven Twilling
Mayor Perrey opened public comment.
Speakers: 1) Virginia Saunders 2) Allegra Andreoli 3) Shamama Ashraf 4) Tatum Bouy 5) Rachel Johnson 6) Raven Twilling 7) Mariana Silva 8) Jamie Glennon 9) Dhalia (no last name given) 10) Jennifer Wolfe 11) Jeremiah Mock 12) John Maa 13) No name given 14) Richard Owens 15) Pamela Granger
Communication (via eComment): 1) Allegra Andreoli 2) Anonymous 3) Ruth Malone 4) Sam Adkins 5) Amaya Wooding 6) Shamama Ashraf 7) Barbara Coler 8) Mel Blaustein 9) Charlotte Furey 10) Steven Fugaro 11) Rod Lew 12) Michelle Zhang 13) Bridget Clark 14) Vanessa Robbins 15) Aria Twilling 16) Tracy Haughton 17) John Maa 18) Pam Granger and Bob Curry 19) Olivia Purchase 20) Megan Manning 21) Holli Their 22) Isaack Cervera 23) James Macho
Mayor Perrey closed public comment.
Councilmembers expressed support and provided direction to staff to do further outreach with local businesses and to bring this item back to Council later this year.
10. Presentation of Sewer Service Rate Study and Initiation of Proposition 218 Process.
Recommended Action: Receive presentation, review staff recommendations, and adopt Resolution No.__ and Resolution No.__.
Item 10. Sewer Service Rate Study_260316
Management Analyst Kadlec and NBS Consultant Sarah Mayors presented the Sewer Service Rate Study.
Councilmembers received the presentation and asked questions.
Mayor Perrey opened public comment.
Speaker: 1) Paula Reynolds 2) Richard Owens
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Perrey closed public comment.
Regular City Council Meeting Agenda, Monday, March 16, 2026 7 It was MOVED by Councilmember Burke and SECONDED by Councilmember Jones to adopt the Resolution Directing Staff to Initiate the Proposition 218 Process and the Resolution Adopting Procedures for Conducting a Public Hearing. The motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
11. Consideration of a Letter from the Mayor in Support of AB 1761: Improving Energy Bill Transparency.
Recommended Action: Approve Letter.
Item 11. Letter re AB 1761 Improving Energy Bill Transparency_260316 Mayor Perrey introduced the letter.
Councilmembers shared comments and asked questions.
Mayor Perrey opened public comment.
Speaker: None.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Perrey closed public comment.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Burke and SECONDED by Vice Mayor Joachim to approve the Letter with noted comments from Council discussion from the Mayor in Support of AB 1761: Improving Energy Bill Transparency. The motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
PUBLIC HEARING
12. Introduction of an Ordinance to amend Title 20 (“1 Zoning Code”) of the Mill Valley Municipal Code (MVMC) to: amend chapter 20.40 to encompass commercial use and development regulations for all four commercial zone districts which are currently contained in individual chapters; delete chapters 20.36, 20.42, 20.45, and 20.48 to reflect the consolidated regulations in revised chapter 20.40; update 20.64 to establish and streamline use permit regulations; relocate variance and zoning amendment regulations from chapter 20.64 to new chapters 20.63 and 20.69 respectively; update definitions in chapter 20.08 and references in chapters 20.18, 20.30, 20.59, 20.68 and 20.74 to reflect the proposed modifications; find that the ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); and adopt the ordinance.
Recommended Action: Introduce the Ordinance by title only and waive first reading.
Item 12. Commercial Code Update_260316
Planning and Building Director Kelly and Senior Planner Allen presented an Ordinance to amend Title 20 (“1 Zoning Code”) of the Mill Valley Municipal Code (MVMC).
Regular City Council Meeting Agenda, Monday, March 16, 2026 8 Councilmembers asked questions.
Mayor Perrey opened for public comment.
Speaker: 1) Paula Reynolds
Communications (via eComments): None.
Mayor Perrey closed public comment.
Councilmembers thanked Planning and Building Director Kelly and Senior Planner Allen for the presentation.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Carmel and SECONDED by Councilmember Jones to Introduce the Ordinance to amend Title 20 (“1 Zoning Code”) of the Mill Valley Municipal Code (MVMC) to: Amend Chapter 20.40 to Encompass Commercial Use and Development Regulations for All Four Commercial Zone Districts Which are Currently Contained in Individual Chapters; Delete Chapters 20.36, 20.42, 20.45, and 20.48 to Reflect the Consolidated Regulations in Revised Chapter 20.40; Update 20.64 to Establish and Streamline Use Permit Regulations; Relocate Variance and Zoning Amendment Regulations from Chapter 20.64 to New Chapters 20.63 And 20.69 Respectively; Update Definitions in Chapter 20.08 and References in Chapters 20.18, 20.30, 20.59, 20.68 and 20.74 to Reflect the Proposed Modifications; Find That the Ordinance is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code Section 21000 Et Seq.) Guidelines Section 15061(B)(3). The motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
13. Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Title 2, Chapter 2.22, Section 2.22.030 of the Mill Valley Municipal Code to Increase City Council Compensation.
Recommended Action: Introduce the Ordinance by title only and waive first reading.
Item 13. City Council Stipend Update_260316
City Manager Cusimano introduced the ordinance amending Title 2, Chapter 2.22, Section
2.22.030 of the Mill Valley Municipal Code to increase city council compensation.
Councilmembers made comments and asked questions.
Mayor Perrey opened for public comment.
Speakers: None.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Perrey closed public comment.
Mayor Perrey, Vice Mayor Joachim, and Councilmember Jones spoke in favor of the ordinance. Councilmember Carmel and Councilmember Burke expressed opposition to the ordinance.
Regular City Council Meeting Agenda, Monday, March 16, 2026 9 It was MOVED by Councilmember Jones and SECONDED by Vice Mayor Joachim to Introduce the Ordinance by title only and waive first reading of an Ordinance Amending Title 2, Chapter 2.22, Section 2.22.030 of the Mill Valley Municipal Code to Increase City Council Compensation. The motion was carried by a 3-2 vote, with Councilmember Carmel and Councilmember Burke opposed.
CLOSED SESSION – The Council will convene to a Closed Session discussion. Any public announcement regarding the Closed Session will be made after the Closed Session and prior to adjourning the regular meeting.
A. CLOSED SESSION BUSINESS – Following Public Comment, the City Council will adjourn to Closed Session to consider the following:
1A. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Government Code Section 54956.9) Friends of Hauke Park v. City of Mill Valley – Marin County Superior Court Case No. CV0000005; Friends of Hauke Park v. City of Mill Valley – Marin County Superior Court Case No. CV0002212; Friends of Hauke Park v.
City of Mill Valley – Marin County Superior Court Case No. CV0009204.
B. ACTION OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
None.
COUNCIL REQUESTS AND IDEAS FOR DISCUSSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT — The Council ADJOURNED at 10:50 P.M. in memory of Beloved LongTime Mill Valley Resident Trisha Garlock, Kiddo! Education Foundation Leader.
The next Regular City Council meeting will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Mill Valley City Council Chambers.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE MILL
VALLEY CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 4, 2026
___________________________
Max Perrey, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Risa De Ferrari, City Clerk