REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ACTION MINUTES
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
26 CORTE MADERA AVENUE, MILL VALLEY
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 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 Administration Rogers; Deputy Director of Human Resources Allingham; Management Analyst II/Community & Culture Liaison Herndon; Neighborhood Response Group Coordinator Grant; Neighborhood Response Group Coordinator Ritchie; Interim Police Chief Haynes; Public Works Superintendent Beltran; Deputy Director of Arts & Recreation Ingram; Administrative Assistant I Craft; City Clerk De Ferrari.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Perrey called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. confirming that all councilmembers were in attendance.
ACTION OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
None.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA ORDER
Agenda_260921
It was MOVED by Councilmember Burke and SECONDED by Councilmember Carmel to approve the agenda order. The motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote. • Adjournment In Memory of Beloved and Long Time Outstanding Mill Valley Safeway Employee and Novato Resident, Mary Murphy.
Councilmembers observed a moment of silence for Mary Murphy.
Mayor Perrey invited members of the public to speak in memory of Mary Murphy.
Speakers: 1) Breda Murphy 2) Emmett Murphy 3) Shane Murphy 4) Carter Zinn Regular City Council Meeting Action Minutes, Monday, September 21, 2026 2 PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation of the Third Quarter, Volunteer All Star, Janet Miller.
Item 1. No Written Material_260921
Item 1. Janet Miller Proclamation Vol. All Star_260921
Councilmember Carmel introduced the item.
Councilmembers viewed a documentary film trailer for The Art of Belonging.
Councilmembers read the proclamation aloud.
Mayor Perrey opened public comment.
Speakers: 1) Janet Miller 2) Patty Shore 3) Paula Reynolds 4) Tammy Herndon 5) Susan Simpkin & Tanaya (no last name given) 6) Naima Dean
Councilmember Carmel read a letter aloud into the record received from Janet Miller’s family friends: Lynn (no last name given), Judy (no last name given), Jan (no last name given), and Kelly (no last name given).
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Perrey closed public comment.
2. Presentation from the Marin County Office of Emergency Management regarding the countywide Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) update and Disaster Preparedness.
Item 2. No Written Material_260921
Steven Torrance, Director of Marin County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), presented the item.
Councilmembers asked questions and made deliberative comments.
Councilmembers thanked Steven Torrance for the presentation.
3. 2026/27 Winter Outlook and Severe Weather Response Report.
Item 3. 2026-27 Winter Outlook and Severe Weather Response_260921 Interim Fire Chief Tom Welch, Interim Police Chief Lindsay Haynes, and Public Works Superintendent Jesus “Chuy” Beltran presented the item.
Councilmembers asked questions and made deliberative comments.
Regular City Council Meeting Action Minutes, Monday, September 21, 2026 3 Councilmembers thanked Interim Fire Chief Welch, Interim Police Chief Haynes, and Public Works Superintendent Beltran for the presentation.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Perrey asked if any councilmember or members of the public wished to pull an item from the Consent Calendar. There were no requests from the public or online participants.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Carmel and SECONDED by Vice Mayor Joachim to approve the Consent Calendar Items #4 – 12. The motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
4. Consideration of August 17, 2026, Special City Council Meeting Action Minutes.
Recommended Action: Approve Action Minutes
Item 4. Approve Action Minutes_260921
5. Consideration Of A Resolution Revising the List of Designated City Officials Required to File Statements of Economic Interest as Required by the Fair Political Practices Commission and Amending the City’s Conflict of Interest Code.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 26-___.
Item 5. Under Separate Cover_Conflict of Interest Code_260921 Item 5. Conflict of Interest Update_260921
6. Consideration of a Resolution to Designate a Voting Delegate to Represent the City at the Annual League of California Cities (LOCC) Conference Which Will be Held in Anaheim, CA on September 23rd through September 25th, 2026.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 26-___.
Item 6. LOCC Delegate Appointee_260921
7. Consideration of a Resolution providing direction to the City’s Voting Delegate at the Annual League of California Cities (Cal Cities or “LOCC”) Conference which will be held in Anaheim, CA on September 23rd thru September 25th, 2026, to Represent the City’s Position on this Year’s One LOCC Proposed Resolution.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 26-___.
Item 7. LOCC Proposed Resolutions_260921
8. Consideration of a Resolution Approving the Oakdale Avenue Road Stabilization and Sewer Improvement Project Plans, Specifications & Estimate (PS&E), Filing of a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Notice of Exemption, and Authorizing the City Manager to Award the Bid.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 26-___.
Item 8. Oakdale Road Stabilization and Sewer Improvement Project_260921 Regular City Council Meeting Action Minutes, Monday, September 21, 2026 4 9. Consideration of Adoption of an Ordinance (Attachment No. 1) amending Section
2.22.030 of Chapter 2.22 (“Salary of City Council”) of the Mill Valley Municipal Code That Would Increase the Salaries of City Councilmembers.
Recommended Action: Adopt the Ordinance by title only and waive second reading.
Item 9. Council Stipend Second Reading_260921
10. Consideration of Adoption of an Annual Renewal Ordinance (Attachment No. 1) of the Mill Valley Municipal Code Chapter 8.80 (“Military Equipment Use”) Ordinance.
Recommended Action: Adopt Ordinance by title only and waive second reading.
Item 10. Annual Renewal Military Equipment Ordinance Second Reading_260921
11. Consideration of Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Title 20 (“Zoning”) of the Mill Valley Municipal Code (MVMC) to Update Single-Family Residential (RS) Zoning District Property Development Regulations (MVMC 20.16.040), as it relates Floor Area exemptions established in MVMC 20.16.040(A)(1)(b).
Recommended Action: Adopt the Ordinance by title only and waive second reading.
Item 11. Zoning Code Update Second Reading_260921
12. Consider a Resolution Approving the Hauke Park Softball Field Renovation Plans, Specifications, and Estimate and Filing 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 12. Hauke Park Softball Field Fencing Project_260921
PUBLIC OPEN TIME
Mayor Perrey opened Public Open Time.
Speakers: 1) Jeremy Revitch 2) Naima Dean
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Perrey closed Public Open Time.
COUNCIL/STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS Councilmember Burke reported on the Sewage Agency of Southern Marin (SASM) board held a meeting discussing inflow and infiltration issues, including a proposal to install modern sensor technology at approximately 35 locations across the district to detect sources of water entering aging sewer lines during the winter. He announced that The Richardson Bay Regional Authority successfully secured $5 million in grants — $3 million from the EPA and $2 million from the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority — to restore an additional 12 acres of eelgrass and remove debris from Richardson Bay. The agency is currently testing "Ulysses," an automated Regular City Council Meeting Action Minutes, Monday, September 21, 2026 5 submarine capable of planting eelgrass without manual diving. Councilmember Burke urged councilmembers to consider a community campaign encouraging more careful driving.
Councilmember Jones reported that The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) provided a year-to-date snapshot showing over 22,000 defensible space and home hardening evaluations. The MWPA is forming a strategic plan subcommittee to develop recommendations for the Board of Directors by early 2027. Councilmember Jones reported a Safe Routes to School meeting where they discussed the new 15 mph school zone designations now in effect at seven county schools under AB 43, Mill Valley has not yet implemented such zones at its incorporated schools.
Councilmember Carmel reported that he and Contract Project Manager Craig Tackaberry pitched the TAM Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) for $3.3 million in One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) funding for Miller Avenue improvements. The matter will go to the TAM Executive Committee in October. The city is also applying for $3 million in Active Transportation Program (ATP) funding for nine gap closure projects near Tam High, Camino Alto, and the Redwoods. Councilmember Carmel clarified the distinction between Measure L (infrastructure) and the upcoming Marin Street Tax (MST) on the November ballot. He noted that he and Deputy Director of Administration Rogers are scheduling informational presentations on the MST to all six boards and commissions, with the Planning Commission scheduled for the following evening.
Vice Mayor Joachim reported that the Arts Commission is accepting community feedback through a survey on the City website regarding local cultural programs and events. A presentation on the MST renewal will be given at the Commission’s next meeting. She noted that Concerts in the Plaza is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Depot Plaza. Vice Mayor Joachim attended the Marin County Senior Fair as reconnaissance for the City’s planned Senior Fair in May. She also attended the Mill Valley Briefing on September 16 regarding wildfire preparedness in Mill Valley and noted that a one-page summary identifying the funding sources for City projects would be helpful.
Mayor Perrey reported that The Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival was well attended both days of the weekend, with the shuttle system and parking performing better than expected and downtown businesses benefiting from foot traffic. He met with the new owner of the restaurant occupying the former El Paseo building, noting that the new owner intends to join the Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Perrey and Vice Mayor Joachim removed chalk graffiti from the rock in front of City Hall. He reported on the most recent MCE Clean Energy Board meeting, at which an independent consulting firm's governance assessment was reviewed. The board also approved a two-year implementation timeline for the recommended reforms and appointed Vikan Kasarjian as Interim CEO and COO, while a nationwide permanent CEO search is being conducted.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Cusimano responded to Public Open Time comments. He confirmed that staff will evaluate the traffic conditions and pavement markings near Tam High's Pickleweed Apartments entrance. City Manager Cusimano announced that Police Chief Navarro will be sworn in the following day at Rohnert Park Public Safety, and that the police chief recruitment Regular City Council Meeting Action Minutes, Monday, September 21, 2026 6 process has resulted in a conditional job offer being extended to the top candidate with the appointment expected to be announced within four to six weeks.
PUBLIC HEARING
13. Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 7.20 “Smoking Prohibitions and Tobacco Retailing Regulations” of the Mill Valley Municipal Code to Prohibit the Sale of All Commercial Tobacco Products and Electronic Smoking Devices Recommended Action: Receive the staff report and hold a public hearing. Consider a motion introducing Ordinance No. ___ amending Chapter 7.20 “Smoking Prohibitions and Tobacco Retailing Regulations” of the Mill Valley Municipal Code to prohibit the sale of all commercial tobacco products and electronic smoking devices.
Item 13. Tobacco Ban Ordinance_260921
Item 13. Public eComment 1-4_260921
Item 13. Pubic eComment 5-12_260921
Item 13. Pubic eComment 13-23_260921
Item 13. Pubic eComment 24-27_260921
Deputy Director of Administration Rogers presented the item.
Tobacco Prevention Coordinator for the County of Marin, Anita Rinzetti, provided more information to councilmembers.
Councilmembers asked questions.
Mayor Perrey opened public comment.
Speakers: 1) Sarita Satpathy 2) Charlotte Curie 3) Liz Couch 4) Pat Rivasio 5) Mel Glaubstein 6) Ginger Sauder-Mason 7) No name given 8) Eddie Diaz 9) John Ma 10) Jeremiah Mock.
Communications (via eComment): The City received 27 eComments prior to the City Council Meeting which were published in advance of the meeting for the public record City Clerk De Ferrari read the following eComments into the public record:
1) Devin McCauley 2) Bob Curry 3) Raven Twilling 4) Pam Granger 5) Mari Silva Mayor Perrey closed public comment.
Councilmembers made deliberative comments.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Burke and SECONDED by Councilmember Carmel to receive the staff report, hold a public hearing, and introduce the Ordinance Amending Chapter
7.20 “Smoking Prohibitions and Tobacco Retailing Regulations” of the Mill Valley Municipal Code to Prohibit the Sale of All Commercial Tobacco Products and Electronic Smoking Devices.
Regular City Council Meeting Action Minutes, Monday, September 21, 2026 7 The motion included an amendment to the draft ordinance establishing an effective date of February 1, 2027, if adopted following its second reading at the next City Council meeting.
The motion, as amended, was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
NEW BUSINESS
14. Establishment of Assistant City Manager Classification, Job Description and Salary Range.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution 26-__.
Item 14. ACM Job Description and Salary Range_260921
City Manager Cusimano presented the item.
Councilmembers asked questions and made deliberative comments.
Mayor Perrey opened public comment.
Speakers: None.
Communications (via eComment): None.
Mayor Perrey closed public comment.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Carmel and SECONDED by Vice Mayor Joachim to Adopt the Resolution Establishing of Assistant to the City Manager Classification, Job Description and Salary Range. The motion was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
COUNCIL REQUESTS AND IDEAS FOR DISCUSSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT – The Council ADJOURNED at 9:07 P.M.
The next Regular City Council meeting will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 5:30p.m. in the Mill Valley City Council Chambers.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE MILL
VALLEY CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 5, 2026
___________________________
Max Perrey, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Risa De Ferrari, City Clerk