REGULAR MEETING Of thc ROSS TOWN COUNCIL
MONDAY, MAY 6,2024
Held ln-Person ond Teleconference via Zoom
1. 6:00 p.m. Commencement.
Mayor Bill Kircher, Jr.; Mayor Pro Tem Julie McMillan; Council Members Teri Dowling; Elizabeth Robbins; Mathew Salter; Town Manager Christa Johnson; Town Attorney Benjamin Stock
2. Posting of agenda/changes to agenda.
Town Manager Johnson reported that the agenda was posted according to government requirements, and there are no changes to the agenda.
3. Mayor's Report
As the incoming Mayor, I would like to welcome everyone to the first regular meeting in the Council's new term. We're excited to have two new Council Members, Teri Dowling and Mathew Salter, who were sworn in at a special meeting April 25, and who are joining continuing Council Members Mayor Pro Tempore Julie McMillan, Elizabeth Robbins, and myself.
April was an eventful month in Ross. The Ross Property Owners Association's Live on the Common events have now become a tradition in Ross, and the tribute to Taylor Swift concert which took place on April 19 was by all accounts the best yet. There was a huge turnout, not only of Ross residents but also from neighboring communities, and participation by Tony Tutto Pizza, our new local wine bar, and Crown and Crumpet. This was followed the next day by another wonderful tradition, the Ross Auxiliary's dinner event that occurs every two years.
At our special meeting on April 25, after Mathew and Terijoined us, we bid farewell to our two departing Council Members, Beach Kuhl and Elizabeth Brekhus, and recognized and thanked them for their exceptional contributions to the Town as they each completed three very impactful terms on the Council. We are fortunate to have had the benefit of their deep commitment and experience over the past L2 years.
But we are also fortunate to have the fresh perspectives and expertise that Mathew Salter and Teri Dowling bring to the Council. Both have previously been involved in Town affairs as volunteers, Mathew on RPOA and Teri on the Age Friendly Task Force. Mathew brings expertise in finance and property development with a focus on affordable housing, while Teri brings her background in community disaster preparedness and response and as a Commissioner on the Marin County Commission on Aging. lmportantly, Mat has children in the Ross school and is well positioned to be a voice for younger families in Ross, while Teri is well positioned to speak for the needs of our older residents.
ln addition to attending regular and special meetings of the Council, Council Members serve on four Ross Council Standing Committees and act as representatives to and liaisons with a number of regional and county agencies, task forces, and committees. We are also grateful for the efforts Meeting Minutes
May 6,2O24
of residents who have volunteered to represent Ross as liaisons to other outside groups, including Gil Fleitas, Chris Martin, Diane Doodha, and Tom Gaffney.
One of the special meetings the Council participates in each year is our annual budget workshop, an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year with our Town Manager, Christa Johnson, and which took place on April 25. I am happy to report that our Town is in a strong financial position, due in no small part to the Town's conservative and responsible fiscal management. But we also face challenges in the coming years, including rising costs, particularly in the public safety area, while our revenue sources are limited and constrained by state law.
Overall we are doing well and have much to be thankful for, including our exceptional Town Manager, dedicated and hardworking staff, the service of Council Members and many other volunteers, including those who serve on the Advisory Design Review Group, RPOA and the Auxiliary, and especially our residents, who stepped up to the plate and turned out to support the passage of Measure E, for the renewal of the very important public safety tax so essential to keep Ross the safe smalltown community we want it to be.
Finally, and speaking of transitions, please be sure to visit and welcome our new businesses, the 6 Oz Wine Bar and Studio M Hair Styling Salon, which will be holding open houses on May 8.
4. Council Committee & Liaison Reports.
Council Member Dowling reported on the April 24th meeting of the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) and said on April 24th from 4 to 6 p.m., the TAM Council held a workshop to receive feedback on TAM goals and strategies that are being considered in a Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP). Then, from 6 to 10 p.m. on the same day, TAM staff reviewed for the Council a Crossing Guard Program Financial Analysis. The analysis showed that funding for this well-loved county program was flat or slightly lower than previous years. After a thoughtful discussion by the Commissioners, staff with community input, TAM agreed to reset the number of crossing guards from 104 (current level) to a previous base level of 96 crossing guards and to set a level in August 2026 that can be maintained long term (next 10 to 20 years). Additional funding will be considered. Ross has four crossing guards, one at Allen/Lagunitas, one on Ross Common across from the Post Office, one at Lagunitas and Ross Common, and one on Sir Francis Drake/Lagunitas.
The crossing guard at Sir Francis Drake/Lagunitas will no longer be funded by TAM, however there are talks that Ross School will pick up this cost (they did so previously) Council Member Robbins reported on the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority Board meeting which was held last week. The Paramedic Authority oversees the ambulance transport which is based in Ross, and the Authority consists of Fairfax, San Anselmo, Sleepy Hollow, Ross, Kentfield, Larkspur, and Corte Madera.
Their budget meeting was held and their finances are in great shape. They get about 52 million a year from the Paramedic Parcel Tax, about St.+ million a year from transport billings for Meeting Minutes
May 5,2O24
ambulances when they recover money from patients' insurance, and their revenue exceeds their expenses. They also have a substantial reserve, though they have this earmarked for new equipment and a new ambulance. The other part of the meeting focused on work on a deployment study to decide about where the ambulance should be located and hopefully there will be some certainty or more information by July. She thinks Ross needs to formally discuss how they can be sure every town has emergency medical responders in town. The fire station is scheduled to close in June 2025. Therefore, in another month they will hear preliminary data from the Citygate study the Authority commissioned to help it decide whether the ambulance stays in Ross.
Mayor Pro Tem McMillan reported on her attendance to the San Rafael/San Anselmo Fuel Reduction Zone project today on behalf of Marin Wildfire with about 75 other people from Marin Fire, San Rafael Fire, and many neighbors. The good news is Marin Wildfire Agency is making significant progress reducing the amount of fuel in that area, including eliminating many eucalyptus trees. While they were there, two big eucalyptus trees were cut down and they got to see and hear them fall.
Mayor Kircher reported on his attendance at a Student Election Ambassadors Town Hall at the Civic Center, where high school and college students were treated to a panel consisting of a representative from every town. lt was a wonderful experience. The students were very interested, able to ask everyone three questions, and it was an opportunity for him to learn more about fellow Councilmembers who are doing some great things. Mill Valley actually invited school students to attend Council meetings to learn about government and coordination with local schools, and this might be something for Ross to consider.
He also reported on the MCCMC Legislative Committee meeting and had three main takeaways:
1) the SZg billion State deficit, 2) insurance issues with companies cancelling California policies, and 3) legislation for ADUs and their exemption from reassessment for 15 years.
Staff & Community Reports.
a. Town Manager
Town Manager Johnson gave the following report:
l'd like to thank the Town Council for your hard work to review the draft FYE 25 budget and for your participation in the April 25th budget workshop. Staff is working to finalize the draft budget and prepare the various appropriation resolutions for Council consideration at your June 13th meeting.
Please Join Age Friendly Ross on Wednesday May 8th from 10:00am-11:30am at the Marin Art and Garden Center for a light breakfast and learn about a well-kept secret right in our backyard, the Emeritus Students College of Marin. This is a pioneer provider of lifelong learning in Marin
5. Meeting Minutes
May 6,2O24
County and beyond. There are no educational or financial requirements to participate, only a desire to learn, enjoy, and be involved! Please RSVP by May 6th to Maureen Borthwick, Ross Recreation Manager, at [email protected] or (415) 453-6020.
Ross Rec launched a new recreation registration software and website which has been met with wide acclaim. www.rossrecreation.org check it out.
Each year school districts have the opportunity to nominate a "Community Partner" who goes above and beyond to help and support the school to receive a "Golden Bell award." The Golden Bell is given to educators, programs and community partners annually to award excellence in Marin County Education. I am thrilled to report that Ross School nominated Police Chief Pata ! Supervisor David Rice stated that Chief Pata is a foundational member of the Ross community.
He does his work from a place of relationships and community building. He cares about Ross kids, their families and their safety. Chief Pata also regularly participates in student projects, school and town-wide safety, and is always a warm welcome in the morning. The ceremony where Chief Pata will receive his Golden Bell Award is May 23rd,2O24 at 4:30 pm at Dominican University, Angelico Hall.
At4:2L p.m. this afternoon, Director Feliciano received a phone call from the State of California Housing and Community Development Department staff stating that the second amendment to the Housing Element is in substantial compliance with State law. Town Manager Johnson congratulated staff and Andrew Hill, the Town's consultant, as well as the Council and community.
b. Ross Property Owners Association
Alex Hudson, RPOA, provided the following updates: 1) Live on the Common held April 19th was a Taylor Swift cover band and a huge success and thanked Elena Batalla for spear-heading the event; 2) Ross Auxiliary hosted the Spring Dinner on Saturday, April 20th which was sold ouU 3) The Post Office lighting and electrical project is on hold untilthe lease is signed; 4) They have new flower baskets delivered on Friday, May 3'd and a new watering person; and 5) A new tabte arrived at the Post Office and special thanks to Tom Gaffney for spear-heading that.
6. ConsentAgenda
The following items will be considered in a single motion, unless removed from the Consent Agenda.
Mayor Pro Tem McMillan moved and Council Member Robbins seconded, to approve Consent Calendar ltems a, b, c, d, e, f , t, h,l,j, k, and l. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). a. Minutes: Regular meeting April4,2O24
b. Demands for March 2024.
Meeting Minutes
May 6,2O24
c. Demands for April 2024.
d. Town Council consideration to:
1. Receive and review the Ross Police Department2O2S Annual Military Equipment Report.
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2413 Renewing Ordinance No. 715 regarding Town of Ross Military Equipment Use Policy.
e. Town Council to adopt Resolution No. 24L4 appropriating Road Repair and Accountability Act (SB 1l funding to the FY 2024-25 Annual Operating Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26, estimated as of January 2024 to be 559,758, into the Gas Tax Fund to fund portions of various pavement rehabilitation projects for the FY 2024-25 Roadway fund budget and adopting the list of projects to be funded by SB1 inFY 2024-25.
f. Town Council to award the construction contract for the Town Hall Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project and authorize the Town Manager to enter into a construction contract with Michael Paul Company lnc. in the amount oI $92,662. g. Town Council to authorize the Town Manager to execute Contract Amendment #1 with Harrison Engineering lnc. in the amount of $62,693 .75for costs associated with additional tasks related to Environmental Testing and Monitoring for the Bolinas Avenue Storm Drain lmprovements Phase 2 Project.
h. Town Council review and acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Third Quarter, nine-month, Financial Summary Report.
i. Town Council acceptance of the lnvestment Report for the nine-month period ended March 3t,2024.
j. Town Council to authorize the Town Manager to execute an agreement with Marin fT in the amount of 587,521.421or cybersecurity implementation and information technology managed services for the period July 1, 2024 through June 30,2025. k. Town Council approval of an increase to the Town's combined Wells Fargo credit limit, for a total credit limit of 550,000.
l. Town Council to authorize the Town Manager to execute the First Amendment to the Lease Agreement with the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority for a portion of Fire Station 18 located at 33 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in the Ross Civic Center.
End of Consent Agenda.
7 Meeting Minutes
May 6,2024
Public Hearings on Planning Projects - Part 1.
a. 51 Shady Lane, Design Review, a Variance and Town Council consideration of Resolution No.2415.
Barbara Chambers,5l Shady Lane, A.P. No.073-i.5I-tS,Zoning: R-1: B-20, General Plan: L (Low Density), Flood Zone: X (Minimal Risk).
Proiect Summary: The applicant requests review and approval for Design Review, a Nonconformity Permit, and a Variance. The project proposes to demolish the existing nonconforming pool house on the property totaling 345 square-feet and transfer the floor area to expand the rear side of the main house to add an office to the primary bedroom in the upper level, expand the kitchen and family room on the main floor, and reconfigure the bathroom and laundry room on the ground floor. The new additions will seamlessly blend with the existing aesthetics, featuring shingle roofing, white-painted wood windows, and light grey cedar shingles. Additionally, the project involves relocating the existing pool to a new location. The new pool will measure L6 ' X 43' and will be perpendicular to the residence. Other landscape improvements include a bluestone patio, trellis, outdoor gas fireplace on the southwest part of the lot, outdoor lighting, and a pervious driveway to access the existing covered parking.
Recused: Council Member Robbins announced her recusal due to the proximity of her residence, and she left the Chambers.
Assistant Planner Alex Lopez-Vega gave the staff report and overview of the request for review and approval for Design Review, a Nonconformity Permit, and a Variance at 51 Shady Lane. On April L6, 2024, the ADR members supported the project. Staff recommends the Council consider the matter and adopt Resolution No. 24L5, approving 51 Shady Lane Design Review, Nonconformity Permit, and Variance.
Barbara Chambers, Architect/Applicant, stated she is here to answer questions, along with Michael Yandell, landscape architect. They met with all neighbors who are all supportive of the project, and she believes Council Members had a chance to visit the site.
Michael Yandell, landscape architect, said they believe it is a nice addition to the property and hoped for approval.
Mayor Kircher opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers Mayor Pro Tem McMillan moved and Council Member Dowling seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 2415, approving 51 Shady Lane Design Review, Nonconformity Permit, and Variance.
Motion carried unanimously (5-0).
Meeting Minutes
May 6,2O24
PageT ol t4
Noted as Present:
Council Member Robbins returned to the dais and was noted as present. b. 124 Winding Way, Design Review, Demolition Permit and Town Council consideration of Resolution No. 2416.
Ordan Construction, L24 Winding Way, A.P. No. 072-09L-L7, Zoning: R-1:B-5A, General Plan: VL (Very Low Density), Flood Zone: X (Moderate Risk).
Project Summary: The applicant is requesting approval for Design Review, and a Demolition Permit. The project involves removing the existing T1-1L wood exterior siding and replacing it with stucco. A demolition permit is required to alter more than twentyfive percent of the exterior wall coverings of a residence. The property owner's request is a result of receiving notification from their home insurance policy carrier that their policy would not be renewed due to high fire risk, and the existing wood siding for the house.
Assistant Planner Alex Lopez-Vega gave the staff report and overview of the request for Design Review approval and a demolition permit at L24 Winding Way.
Mayor Pro Tem McMillan said the Council is reconsidering the ordinance regarding changing the exterior of homes. lt seems to her that they should not be making residents come before the Council if they are required by their insurance carrier to change their exterior siding. ln moving forward when considering modifying the ordinance, she asked if this could be included.
Planning and Building Director Feliciano stated Planning staff brought this before the ADR as recommended during the February or March meeting regarding demolition and design review to replace siding. Their recommendation was that if the exterior wall coverings or siding is replaced with in-kind material the applicant would just need a building permit and not design review. ln this case, the owner selected to replace the siding with stucco. ln the future, when the ordinance is amended, if someone were to replace wood siding with a fiber cement or siding that is fire-resistant, they would not have to go through Design Review and just need a building permit.
Mayor Pro Tem McMillan asked and confirmed that when changing the replacement to something other than in-kind, applicants would need to go through the ADR process, but this is something the Council could change. She cautioned moving towards amending this only because it could then be used as a justification for changing a certain design style or home character. The ADR's recommendation is in line with making sure that if it is a modern house that has stucco, it would keep the same look and feel of the exterior wall coloring, but that would be the Town Council's discussion.
Meeting Minutes
May6,2O24
Mayor Pro Tem McMillan said her view would be if the change is mandated by the insurance company, it is not coming from the homeowner or an architect. She thinks there should be an exception for either the fiber cement board or flame-resistant material or stucco.
Council Member Salter commented that he would be curious how much the applicant had to pay in fees to have this change brought to the ADR. Mr. Lopez-Vega confirmed the deposit of 52,492 which is what is costs for the Demolition Permit fee and to go to the ADR.
Council Member Salter said he feels it is not a productive use of the Council's time nor is it a productive use of the ADR group for someone changing the exterior material of their home. He thinks the Town needs to find ways to lower fees, lower inhibitors for people to make small changes to their homes and encourage the Planning Department to find ways to do that for the benefit of residents.
Mayor Kircher commented that the Council is getting a bit away from the item and he suggested perhaps considering something in the future to change their procedures and costs. He then called upon the applicant.
Otto Halboth, Ordon Construction, said he represents the homeowner and is the general contractor for the project. They are basically trying to comply with an insurance underwriting guideline which requires the insurance company to go from a wood siding to a more fire-resistant siding. ln terms of how this works, he would think the color is the only thing the Council would need to worry about in the future. When going from a wood to a stucco or a Spanish-style house being changed to another style, the Council might want to consider looking at it. ln terms of cost, it is not inexpensive, and he believes the homeowner spent almost 53,000 for the demolition permit deposit to change the wood siding to stucco, and he was available for questions.
Council Member Salter asked if Mr. Halboth worked in other towns and Mr. Halboth said yes, but this is the first time he has seen this request. lt is from Traveler's lnsurance, and he is surprised that if the wood material was not changed, the insurance company would not renew their policy.
When done in other cities, it is usually an over-the-counter demolition permit of a couple of hundred dollars. But most people would get concerned if an owner changed the color from an off-white to purple, which is understandable.
This is improving the house and improving its value, and he thinks it all depends on the carriers as to whether they will require this. He would not be surprised in the future if more property owners receive non-renewal notices saying they need to change something or they will not renew their policy. He would caution the Council in making it a difficult process to do this, and going to a non-fire-retardant property will benefit everybody.
Mayor Kircher opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
Meeting Minutes
May 6,2O24
Mayor Kircher closed the public comment period and returned deliberation to the Council Council Member Dowling said she thinks there are other people in Ross covered by Traveler's lnsurance running into this problem and she received a call this weekend from someone whose fire insurance will be canceled in the middle of July. They are very worried, and it is Traveler's lnsurance so they may be hearing this more from other residents. She supported reducing the cost and process and to make it as smooth a process as possible so people can have fire insurance.
Mayor Pro Tem McMillan said they will be discussing this issue at their Firewise Leader's meeting this Friday, and she sent the staff report and the Traveler's letter to Fire Safe Marin and they have been keeping an eye on all insurance issues. As far as she knows, they were not aware of any other insurer in Marin being forced to change the siding, which is a generous proposal to offer to an insured. Usually, it is an automatic cancellation, so she thinks streamlining is important and doing it as soon as possible is also very important.
The point about how you do not need to come to the Council if you are changing the color of your paint, there could be something similar for changing the color of stucco and to make it fast and easy as possible.
Mayor Kircher re-opened public comment to allow the applicant to speak.
Mr. Halboth said in looking at a timeline for residents, they could have the non-renew notice come in on May 1't and they will non-renew the homeowner in June, so this homeowner must figure out how to get it done within 30 days. They had to beg Traveler's to give them an extension because of having to go through the Town's process.
Mayor Kircher closed public comment, and while a valuable conversation, he asked if Planning staff could expedite things, but an actual change will require future Council action, and there seems to be some urgency to this.
Council Member Robbins moved and Council Member Dowling seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 2416, approving 124 Winding Way Design Review and Demolition Permit. Motion carried unanimously (5-0).
End of Public Hearings on Planning Projects - Part 1.
Administrative Agenda
8. Town Council adoption of Resolution No. 24L9 approving the second amendment to the Town of Ross 2O23-2O3L, 6th Cycle, Housing Element.
Town Manager Johnson introduced the item and said Planning and Building Director Roberta Feliciano and consultant Andrew Hill with Dyett and Bhatia will provide a brief presentation.
Meeting Minutes
May 5,2O24
Andrew Hill, consultant with Dyett and Bhatia, gave an overview of the Town's adoption of the 6th Cycle Housing Element in May 2023 and since that time, Town staff has been working closely with HCD staffto ensure it meets all regulatory requirements. As the Town Manager mentioned, the Town received formal notification from HCD that if these revisions are made, they can find the Housing Element in substantial compliance, can certify the Housing Element as complete, and finalize the process.
Mr. Hillthen provided a PowerPoint presentation with an overview of final revisions, noted that if the Town is relying on non-vacant sites for more than 50% of its lower income RHNA, a certain finding needs to be included in the resolution which is the case because lower income housing is being placed on the Civic Center site and the Branson School site, and therefore, the resolution needs to clarify that the existing uses on those sites would not impede redevelopment.
He thanked community members who participated in the process, to staff for their collaboration, and the Council for their direction. He asked that the Council amend the Housing Element to incorporate these changes and is available to answer questions.
Mayor Pro Tem McMillan said the term "substantial compliance" worries her and asked Mr. Hill for its definition. Mr. Hill explained it means that all requirements of State law have been met and the Town is substantially complying with all requirements. He said technically, they issue a letter of substantial compliance and then they will follow u p with a letter of certification. He does not know of a situation where HCD has reneged on that commitment unless the jurisdiction has not adopted the element or has made other changes to zoning that would undercut some of the commitments in the Housing Element.
Mayor Pro Tem McMillan referred to the potential magnitude of affordable housing fees, and asked how much money this would be for a 51 million remodel project. Mr. Hill replied that a nexus study would need to be done that considers the specific circumstances in Ross, the cost to build, and other factors. There needs to be a clear nexus for the fee charged and what is reasonable, so it is dependent on Ross. But, the County of Marin has adopted an affordable housing fee so it might be a good yardstick to use. The County's fee applies only to new construction over 2,000 square feet and the example they provided in their counter-materials is a 4,000 square foot home which would be required to pay $ZO,OOO so about S5/square foot. This is not to say it would be exactly the same in Ross because the nexus study needs to be completed, but this is an example.
Mayor Pro Tem McMillan asked if the money generated stays in Ross Mr. Hill said yes, and it would go into an affordable housing fund that the Town Council would create and would be used to offset any fee discounts or other incentives the Town provides, such as a partnership for redevelopment and creation of workforce housing on the Civic Center site.
Meeting Minutes
May6,2O24
Mayor Pro Tem McMillan said this has been a difficult, two-year process. lt seems there is no negotiation means left and asked to clarify that. She thanked Mr. Hill for representing the Town, and getting them to the best place possible.
Mr. Hill said atthe end of the day, they have come up with a thoughtful, achievable strategyfor Ross. lt is primarily based on small-scale housing that is in line with the character of Ross. There is no wholesale rezoning, no creation of new multi-family housing zoning district, and in the scheme of things, this is a solution that fully complies with state law and is a thoughtful strategy that works for the Town.
Council Member Robbins asked for the cost of the nexus study, and Mr. Hill was unsure, as he does not prepare such studies.
Town Manager Johnson noted the fee study the Town is about to embark on will be in the 535,000 range. lt is very specialized, and Dyett and Bhatia do not have the in-house expertise and prefer not to get involved.
Council Member Robbins said HCD seems to add on things that were not part of the original discussion. Mr. Hill said many jurisdictions are adopting inclusionary zoning requirements and there is a lot of towns and cities that must do a similar type of study.
Council Member Dowling asked if there is a timeline asto when the nexus study must be done, and Mr. Hillsaid there is a date in the program for it to be done bythe 4th quarter of 2025.
Mayor Kircher opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
Mayor Kircher and Council Members thanked Mr. Hill and staff for their work on the Housing Element.
Council Member Robbins moved and Mayor Pro Tem McMillan seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 2419, approving the second amendment to the Town of Ross 2023-2031,, 5th Cycle Housing Element. Motion carried unanimously (5-01.
9. Town Council to make appointments to Town Council committees for fiscal year 2O24- 2025.
Mayor Kircher said there are quite a few appointments given the departure of Mayor Brekhus and Council Member Kuhl. Additional work was done, and a supplemental staff report was sent outwith additional appointmentsfor review. Some of the information he originally provided to the Clerk was not completely correct in terms of when bodies meet, which he described. He said Council Member Dowling also indicated there is no liaison for the Age-Friendly Task Force and she indicated interest. He therefore asked to add this to the appointment list for Council Member Dowling to replace Council Member Kuhl.
Meeting Minutes
May6,2024
Mayor Pro Tem McMillan said she had emailed Gil Fleitas to confirm he was interested in continuing the Ross Ready (formerly DISCO) and has not heard back from him so the Council may need to revisit that in the future.
Mayor Kircher said it is quite possible there will be further changes in the future, with the goal of having the list finalized as soon as possible. He asked if any Council Members wished to make any further changes at this time.
Town Manager Johnson said she did not think the Council had a liaison to the Age-Friendly Task Force, but this is why it was not on the list. Council Member Dowling said she knows Council Member Kuhl attended meetings and they were very happy to have him, and he stated he would be the informal representative of the town, so she does not think it is a bad idea because they are a solid group, and it might make sense to have a formal Council Member as liaison.
Council Member Dowling asked if she could serve as liaison on the Age-Friendly Task Force, and Mayor Kircher appointed and added Council Member Dowling as liaison to the task force.
Council Member Salter proposed to become the alternate for the Ross Valley Fire Department Board of Directors if Council Member Dowling is willing to allow him. He would be happy to swap with her on the Homeless Committee and allow her to be the liaison and him as the alternate.
Mayor Kircher said he expects the focus on the Homeless Committee will shift from housing to homelessness which is an element of housing, including affordable housing, and Council Member Dowling has experience in disaster preparedness.
Council Member Dowling voiced her interest to stay on as liaison because of her interest and background in disaster preparedness but is happyto work with Council Member Salter.
Mayor Pro Tem McMillan said this is an issue the entire Council is interested in; the allocation of how they pay for fire services. When it is the appropriate time to discuss, the Council will all discuss it together. By Council Member Salter not being the alternate, it would not preclude him from participating in that discussion when it is appropriate to have that discussion because of the magnitude of the issue.
Mayor Kircher added that representatives are there to represent Ross, and the Council ultimately determines the policy and not the representatives. He asked if there were any other changes or comments.
Mayor Pro Tem McMillan referred to the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District and asked if the Town will advertise there is an opening, or she believes they indicated the Town could rely on San Anselmo for representation.
10. Meeting Minutes
May 6,2O24
Mayor Kircher said they solicited letters of interest, and they could do that, but the fallback would be to go with San Anselmo.
Town Manager Johnson stated the Town Clerk would conduct recruitment and would use the Morning After, e-mail blast, put up something on the bulletin board by the Post Office, and provide the application. Staff would bring it back for the Council to make its appointment.
Mayor Kircher opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers Mayor Pro Tem McMillan moved and Council Member Robbins seconded, to approve the Town Council appointments to Town Council Committees for FY 2024-2025, as amended, adding Council Member Dowling as liaison to the Age-Friendly Task Force. Motion carried unanimously (s-01.
End of Administrative Agenda.
There are no Public Hearings on Planning Projects -Part2.
No Action ltems: (Mayor)
a. Council correspondence- None.
b. Future Council items - Councilmember Salter asked that staff determine why there is no parking in front of Lagunitas Country Club just on the weekends. Mayor Kircher voiced support in first finding out why this is restricted, and if it requires Council discussion and action, it can be agendized. Town ManagerJohnson agreed to followup as to why that went into effect.
Council Member Robbins asked if the issue regarding demolition permits must come to the Council. Town Manager Johnson stated this was discussed earlier this year and it was directed that the ADR be asked to opine on this, and staff can bring this back to the Council and include a discussion about what they believe are the issues involved with what Mayor Pro Tem McMillan brought up.
Council Member Dowling suggested thinking about a workshop on fire insurance cancellations for residents who may be struggling with this. Town Manager Johnson stated the Marin Fire Prevention Authority is doing a lot of work and Executive Officer Mark Brown will be giving a presentation in June to the Operations Committee.
Mayor Pro Tem McMillan added that public education for Marin Wildfire is provided by Fire Safe Marin, and they are covering this issue. Based upon what the Town Manager hears from the Committee and what she hears from Fire Safe Marin, possibly they could ask Mark Brown and someone from Fire Safe Marin to hold a panel Meeting Minutes
May6,2024
discussion about insurance. She did not think it should be a Council agendized item, and Town Manager Johnson said staff can work with local partners to determine if an event can be held.
Mayor Kircher commented that they are expecting big changes in the insurance market around December of this year as the pricing modeling changes quite a bit, which will result in higher prices, but hopefully avoid cancellations.
11. Open Time for Public Expression.
None.
t2. Adiournment.
The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m
ATTEST:
Cyndie Martel, Town Clerk
C 2-'l- 'l
C. William Kircher, Jr., Mayor