1 San Anselmo Council Approved Minutes
Regular Meeting
Town Council Chambers and via Zoom
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Mayor Burdo called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Call to Order: Optional Pledge of Allegiance
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Burdo, Mayor
Eileen Burke, Vice Mayor
Brian Colbert
Tarrell Kullaway
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT
Via ZOOM: Alexis Fineman
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Dave Donery, Town Manager
Megan Acevedo, Town Attorney
Heidi Scoble, Planning Director
Serge Avila, Town Clerk
Sean Condry, Public Works Director
Scott Schneider, Assistant Public Works Director
Jeff Zuba, Finance Director
Danielle Mauk, Recreation Director
Maddie O’Grady, Recreation Supervisor
Mayor Burdo announced that Item #2 will be pulled from the agenda.
Councilmember Fineman announced she is attending the meeting via Zoom due to a Just Cause Reason- she is recovering from a cold.
Open Time for Public Expression
Ms. Carol Page stated when the County levies money from the residents there should be something in return- a quid pro quo. She was concerned that the County does not have the money to complete any flood projects.
Ms. Diana Davis stated the demolition of Building Bridge 2 will achieve no flood control. The Reimage Creek plan will duplicate what already exists in terms of flood control.
Mr. Jeff Kroot stated the demolition of Creek Plaza is “a lose-lose on steroids” because of the costs. The plaza was used extensively and was beneficial to the business community.
Mr. Dave Bond, Madrone Avenue, stated the ad hoc committee should give full disclosure regarding Building Bridge 2.
Ms. Ann Politzer, Brookside Drive, stated the County’s presentation to the Town of Ross was short on information and did not answer questions. Removal of Creek Park Plaza will provide very little flood relief to the downtown.
2 Ms. Sarah Wilson stated she is concerned about some of the activities going on at Memorial Park including drug deals, vandalism, and aggressive behavior by teens. She asked the Council to make this a priority.
Ellen agreed with the comments made about the plaza. Building Bridge 2 is not in imminent danger- the crack has been there for a very long time.
Ms. Darcy Bell discussed the increasing concerns about the activities at Memorial Park.
Council requests for future agenda items; Committee liaison reports; questions and comments to staff; miscellaneous items
Councilmember Colbert thanked the first responders from Central Marin Police Authority and the Ross Valley Fire Authority for taking care of him after a bicycle accident; he attended the Ross Valley Fire Board meeting; an Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting; a Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) Executive Committee meeting; announced that Marin Transit Authority (MTA) ridership is almost back to 100%; met with the Chamber of Commerce; gave a report from the Creek Park Ad Hoc Committee; asked for Council support to direct Town staff to determine the cost and the necessary steps to reopen the plaza for use by the community. The Council supported the request.
Vice Mayor Burke reported she did not have any committee meetings to attend since the last Council meeting; the Ten-Year Anniversary of Imagination Park will be this summer and residents would like to hold a celebration; she attended the County presentation to Ross about Flood Zone 9 Projects.
Councilmember Kullaway reported she attended the EDC meeting.
Councilmember Fineman reported she attended the ad hoc committee meeting on Monday; she asked if staff could make the public comment records available on the app; she would like a report on the Town’s response to the concerns about the activities at Memorial Park; she asked staff to provide the Public Records Act (PRA) requests to the Council prior to the upcoming presentation.
Mayor Burdo reported he attended the Ross Valley Fire Board of Directors meeting; he attended the Ross presentation; he has been meeting with concerned citizens regarding Memorial Park and Red Hill Shopping Center and plans to bring all the stakeholders together to come up with a way to address the issues; the Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Memorial Park will occur this Saturday- he encouraged everyone to attend.
Public Works Director Condry reported on the land movement on Redwood Road and stated a soils engineer is evaluating what is going on. Staff is moving forward on a design and applying for FEMA funding.
1. Consent Agenda
1.1 Approve the Draft Minutes of the Town Council Meeting- February 28, 2023
1.2 Authorize the Town Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Hinderliter de Llamas and Associates dba HdL Companies for sales and use tax audit and informational services
1.3 Approved Resolution No.4479 Authorizing the Examination of Sales and Use Tax Records 3 1.4 Received and filed the Report of Warrants Issued, February 2023
1.5 Received and filed the Revenue and Expenditure Reports, February 2023
1.6 Received and filed the Recreation Fund Revenue and Expenditure Report for the period ending February 28, 2023.
1.7 Accepted the Update on the 2022 Annual Housing Element Progress Report and Authorized Staff to Send the Reports to the State Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and State Housing and Community Development (HCD). This report is categorically exempt From CEQA review under Guidelines Section 15306.
Mayor Burdo opened the meeting to public comments.
There were no comments.
Mayor Burdo closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Kullaway wanted to pull item #1.1 for discussion.
M/s, Burke/Kullaway, Motion to approve Consent Calendar items #1.2 through #1.7 AYES: Colbert, Fineman, Kullaway, Vice Mayor Burke, Mayor Burdo
1.1 Approve the Draft Minutes of the Town Council Meeting- February 28, 2023 Councilmember Kullaway noted her name is spelled incorrectly in several places.
M/s, Burke/Kullaway, Motion to approve Consent Calendar items #1.1 as corrected.
AYES: Colbert, Fineman, Kullaway, Vice Mayor Burke, Mayor Burdo Council Items
2. Receive presentation by the Marin County Flood Control District of the status of the San Anselmo Flood Risk Reduction Project. The SAFRR project EIR was certified in 2018 with the Marin County Flood Control District as the CEQA lead agency.
This is not considered a “project” under CEQA per California Public Resources Code 21065.
Mayor Burdo noted this item was pulled due to County staff illness.
3. Town Council to receive a presentation and provide direction to staff on next steps regarding the Transportation Assessment of the Hub Study Final Report.
This is not considered a “project” under CEQA per California Public Resources Code 21065
Public Director Condry and Assistant Public Works Director Schneider gave a staff report.
Mr. David Parisi, traffic engineer, gave a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Parisi and staff answered questions from the Council regarding the accuracy with respect to the numbers for bicycles and pedestrians; if cyclists avoid the Hub and use Bank Street and then Greenfield Avenue; how many collisions involving cyclists or pedestrians have occurred; if there would be different outcomes if the Vehicle Miles Traveled metric had been used as opposed to Level of Service (LOS); should the focus be on accommodating more cars given the forecast of an increase number of vehicles and housing units; if pedestrians and cyclists mostly use Tunstead 4 and Bank Street; the number of participants in the community workshops; location of repurposed slip lanes; where the lost parking spaces due to the installation of a Class IV Bike Lane would be recaptured; transportation advocates that participated in the study; if they investigated sources of funding; verification of Active Transportation Concept #2 assertions regarding buses; disruption during construction and how they would keep traffic flowing; if bottlenecks would occur elsewhere; if the median landscaping would need to be reconfigured; the type of rapid flashing beacons that would be used as pedestrian improvements; if the roundabout concept would be considered two land or multi-laned; a modern roundabout as opposed to neo-classical; if there are traffic counts for the two slip lanes during peak hours; if they did a deep dive into the downstream effects; number of collision in the five-year period; how congestion is defined.
Mayor Burdo opened the meeting to public comments.
Benedetto Cico warned the Council about unintended consequences. Sir Francis Drake Boulevard is a barrier between Memorial Park and the downtown for seniors and children Mr. Josh Wickersnider had questions about the roundabout including right-of-way impacts, who is going where and when, the 20/40 levels percentage reductions, and impacts from the left turn lane,
Mr. Warren Wells, Marin County Bicycle Coalition, stated they largely agreed with the recommendations in the study (Via Zoom)
Mayor Burdo closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Colbert stated there is a need to get people out of cars. The bicycle counts are not compelling since nobody wants to ride through the Hub. He wants to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety in Town. There has been a proposal to build two bicycle networks in Marin County for quite some time- east/west and north/south. The Ross Valley needs to do its part.
He supported the signal improvements, the master bike connection through Creek Park, and other bicycle and pedestrian improvements. He would like to explore the roundabout, the displaced T, and the bicycle/pedestrian flyover.
Councilmember Kullaway agreed with Councilmember Colbert. She would like to see a safe crossing at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Sais Avenue. A reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) can be accomplished through high density housing and getting people out of cars. She likes Active Transportation Concept #2.
Vice Mayor Burke stated the number of vehicles going through the intersection (65,000) has not changed over time- these numbers will grow. The community is car centric. They need to look at this as a retrofit and think about what makes the most sense for the numbers and what are they giving up that they need such as downtown parking. There is a need for better pedestrian access across Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Sais is a good spot for a stop light. She supports all of Concept #1 and is opposed to removing slip lanes and parking. She wanted to hold off on a decision about a bike lane through Creek Park until they know will be happening.
A roundabout where the Great Acorn used to be would make sense. The idea of a T intersection is intriguing.
Councilmember Fineman agreed that there could be unintended consequences. The Hub does not feel safe for pedestrians. The goal is to capture some of the local vehicle trips and convert them to a different form. She would like to move forward with the signal control system, Active Transportation Concept #1 with an emphasis on the Hawk beacons as opposed to the yellow flashing lights, the bicycle bypass route through the Creek Park parking lot, reducing the slip 5 lanes, and shortening crossing times and distance. Long term plans should include planning for a grade-separated bicycle and pedestrian flyover, exploring the roundabout concept with a review of how pedestrians and bicycles would navigate through it, and the T intersection.
Councilmember Kullaway supported the slip lane reduction and had some suggestions on how to make it better.
Mayor Burdo stated the Hub might not be as inefficient or unsafe as some would assert. The intersection needs improvements for bicycles and pedestrians. He is willing to consider all options including the T intersection, the signal control system, safety upgrades to include the Hawk system, and the bicycle by-pass route. For the long term projects they need to go through a process that includes creating a list of options and having numerous discussions.
At 9:30 PM The Council took a 5-minute break.
Council reconvened at 9:35 PM.
Councilmember Colbert left the meeting.
4. Approval of “San Anselmo 2023 Live on the Avenue” Music Series, Event Application, Street Closures and Budget appropriation.
This is not considered a “project” under CEQA per California Public Resources Code 21065
Recreation Coordinator O’Grady gave a staff report and a PowerPoint presentation. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding types of complaints from the public regarding sound volume; if they plan to change the policy with respect to the sound; who would be managing the volume levels; if they plan to book bands for the amphitheater area.
Mayor Burdo opened the meeting to public comments.
Benedetto, speaking on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, stated last year’s event was fabulous. He supported the idea of local restaurants providing food and keeping stores open later.
Mr. Sterling Johnson, Tunstead Avenue, stated he loves this wonderful community event.
Mayor Burdo closed the meeting to public comments.
Vice Mayor Burke stated there should be a bike parking plan. She supports everything proposed.
Councilmember Kullaway stated she could provide racks for non-secure bike parking. Secure parking would require volunteers. She would like to find a way to incentivize the businesses to stay open later.
Councilmember Fineman suggested looking at the Annual Zero Waste Marin funds when the cost estimates come in.
Mayor Burdo appreciated staff’s flexibility and listening to suggestions. They need to consider public safety with respect to keeping businesses open later. He suggested using the Town Hall lawn for some community based music.
M/s, Burke/Kullaway, Motion to approve the “San Anselmo 2023 Live on the Avenue” Music Series Schedule for Fridays and Saturdays, June 9, 2023, through September 30, 6 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. including closing San Anselmo Avenue Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and to approve the proposed budget for logistics and event expenses.
AYES: Fineman, Kullaway, Vice Mayor Burke, Mayor Burdo
ABSENT: Colbert
The Council commended Recreation Coordinator O’Grady for the great presentation.
5. Receive presentation and provide direction on staff list of priority projects for the American Rescue Plan Act State & Local Fiscal Relief Funds.
This is not considered a “project” under CEQA per California Public Resources Code 21065 Town Manager Donery, Finance Director Zuba and Public Works Director Sean Condry, presented a staff report. Public Works Director Condry gave a PowerPoint presentation. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding the cost of the Solar Resiliency Project; if the Town Hall HVAC system includes a heat pump; if they could include more climate action projects; if volunteers could be used for the painting projects; if the contractors would also do project management; what happens if a project comes in under budget; if the Town owns the Fire Station 20 (Butterfield Road) building; if the Isabel Cook building or public restrooms should be included; if Measure J funding would be used for the tennis courts, parks and green space, and solar projects.
Mayor Burdo opened the meeting to public comments.
Ms. Karen Nelson, member of the Climate Action Commission (CAC), supported the Town Hall/Library Solar Generation and Resiliency Project.
Ms. Susan Saunders, Vice Chair of the CAC, stated 1.5% of the ARPA Funds should be allocated towards the resilience center.
Mayor Burdo closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Kullaway agreed that the resiliency hub is a priority. She supported the staff recommendations.
Councilmember Fineman referred to the infrastructure projects and stated it made sense to catch up on some of the deferred needs. There are other ways to fund the resiliency hub and the timing is not quite right. The list should be more responsive to community projects and is not aligned with the spirit of the funding. She suggested using some of the funds to get Building Bridge 2 on-line and refurbish the platform to make it safe.
Vice Mayor Burke stated the list represents maintenance of infrastructure that has been deferred- things that have to be done. She supports it except for the Town Hall second floor remodel. She would like to include the repair of the Robson bathroom. She agreed with Councilmember Fineman- repairing the plaza makes sense.
Mayor Burdo stated he would like to see them move forward with the Solar Resiliency Project.
He supported the staff recommendations along with the repairs to Building Bridge 2 and the bathroom at Robson.
M/s, Kullaway/Burke, Motion to accept the staff recommendations for the ARPA Funds.
AYES: Fineman, Kullaway, Vice Mayor Burke, Mayor Burdo
ABSENT: Colbert
7 M/s, Burke/Kullaway, Motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Toni DeFrancis,
Recording Secretary