1 San Anselmo Council Approved Minutes
Regular Meeting
Town Council Chambers and via teleconference
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Interviews for the Open Space Committee, Climate Action Commission, and Racial Equity Committee- 6:00 p.m.
Councilmember Alexis Fineman, Tarrell Kullaway and Steve Burdo, Mayor interviewed six candidates:
6:00 PM Oriana Bleecher Snyder Open Space Committee
6:10 PM Robin Beers Racial Equity Committee
6:20 PM Bridget Clark Climate Action Commission
6:30 PM Diana Black Kennedy Racial Equity Committee
6:40 PM Mary Nahorniak Racial Equity Committee
6:50 PM Nuria Montalvo Climate Action Commission
Mayor Burdo Call to Order: Optional Pledge of Allegiance COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Burdo, Mayor
Alexis Fineman
Tarrell Kullaway
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Eileen Burke, Vice Mayor
Brian Colbert
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Dave Donery, Town Manager
Megan Acevedo, Town Attorney
Serge Avila, Town Clerk
Sean Condry, Public Works Director
Heidi Scoble, Planning Director
Sean Youra, Climate Action Coordinator
Dannielle Mauk, Recreation Director
Open Time for Public Expression
Ms. Rosanne DalBello had a question about the status of the ramp on the Alderney Stairs. She heard they were installed on a temporary basis.
Mr. Guy Myers, Tamalpais Avenue, discussed climate action issues, the Reimagine Plan, the expansion of concrete, and providing more housing.
A resident thanked the Town of San Anselmo and the Arts Commission for the tribute to Peter Penhollow.
Mr. Jim Burnett discussed ways to improve our relationship with the environment through the Tree Ordinance.
Ms. Susan Saunders encouraged anyone to join the Climate Action Commission- they enjoy all viewpoints. She discussed the ways the Planning and Building Departments are fighting climate change.
2 Ms. Lucy Martican, Sleepy Hollow, stated she is an intern with 350 Marin. She urged everyone to purchase an electric vehicle.
Council requests for future agenda items; Committee liaison reports; questions and comments to staff; miscellaneous items
Councilmember Fineman reported she attended the Marin Wildfire Protection Authority (MWPA) meeting; and discussed the historic ruling last Monday in Montana regarding the Constitutional right to a Healthy and Safe Environment with a “shout out” to Town Attorney Acevedo who is the Secretary of the Board of Directors for Our Children’s Trust; she referred to the Alderney Steps and asked if a railing could be installed on both sides; the Tree Ordinance Subcommittee turned over its research to Town staff; the Climate Action Intern is doing research on electrification.
Public Works Director Condry stated staff is looking at moving the temporary ramp on the Alderney Steps to the other side and add a railing if needed.
Councilmember Kullaway reported she attended the Marin Clean Energy (MCE) meeting.
Mayor Burdo reported he attended the unveiling of the Cedars Art Installation; the BBQ at Tam House; a Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting; On the Avenue has been “en fuego”; the parent group meeting will be in September or October; displayed the post card being sent to all residents about the Residential Rental Policies; asked staff for an update on the Redwood Road invoices/payment issue.
Public Works Condry stated staff is collecting checks and has not revised anything. Staff will be bringing this issue to the Council.
Town Manager Donery stated residents should be receiving postcards tomorrow or the next day. He thanked outgoing Climate Action Fellow, Paul Wang, for his good work. Mr. Wang stated it was a pleasure to have worked for the Town of San Anselmo.
Special Presentation
Mayor’s Proclamation Recognizing Rohana McLaughlin for Outstanding Community Service.
Ms. McLaughlin thanked the Council and others for their volunteer work in the Memorial Park.
1. Consent Agenda
1.1 Approve the Draft Minutes of the Town Council Meeting- July 25, 2023
1.2 Adopt Ordinance of the Town of San Anselmo Repealing Title 10 Chapter 20, Objective Design Standards for Residential Development, and Replacing with a New Chapter 20, Objective Design and Development Standards and the Objective Design and Development Standards Zoning Map, including Associated Amendments to Section 10-3.1702, Definitions, and related CEQA Exemption Findings
1.3 Receive and Acknowledge the Report of Checks Issued, July 2023
1.4 Receive and Approve the Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the month of July 2023
1.5 Approval of Resolution Establishing the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Appropriations Limit 3 1.6 Adopt an Ordinance to Amend Title 10 (Planning and Zoning) of the San Anselmo Municipal Code Text Amendments and Zoning Maps and Make Associated CEQA Findings
1.7 Approval of Resolution Revising a Statement of Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2023/24
1.8 Consider to Approve a Proclamation Recognizing George Lucas for his Outstanding Citizenship
1.9 Consider to Approve a Special Event Application- Goblins’ BOOtacular
1.10 Consider to Approve a Special Event Application- Three Gents Theatre Company’s Twelfth Night
Mayor Burdo opened the meeting to public comments.
Jim referred to item #1.6 and stated 5 West Hillside Avenue is on a private road with questionable access. He asked the Council to reconsider 5 West Hillside Avenue.
Jan, West Hillside Avenue, stated she received no notification about the change in zoning. She asked the Council to look at the 5 West Hillside Avenue site more closely and realistically.
Wendy, West Hillside Avenue, stated there is an abundance of wildlife and a thriving ecosystem behind the Miracle Mile. All the hillsides should be protected.
Mayor Burdo closed the meeting to public comments.
M/s, Kullaway/Fineman, Motion to approve the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Fineman, Kullaway, Mayor Burdo
ABSENT: Colbert, Vice Mayor Burke
2. Public Hearings
There were no Public Hearings.
3. Council Business Items
3.1 Memorial Park Athletic Field Renovation Project
Public Works Director Condry presented the staff report. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding whether there are electric aerators; what has changed over the last ten years; how to monitor the use of well water; and what has been budgeted for Field Maintenance.
Mr. Brian Ness, turf expert, stated this field is in a constant state of recovery due to its high use.
It will never be perfect. He discussed some of the long-term solutions including the purchase of some new equipment.
Mayor Burdo opened the meeting to public comments.
There were no comments.
Mayor Burdo closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Fineman stated she is a strong believer in providing some community green space instead of having “little grass rectangle” in everyone’s backyard. 4 Mayor Burdo stated most of the concern has to do with the browning of the grass. He is certain that staff will take care of this problem. He asked staff to continue to monitor water use and report back.
M/s, Kullaway/Fineman, Motion to accept the Memorial Park Athletic Field Renovation Project and authorize staff to file a Notice of Completion for Memorial Park.
AYES: Fineman, Kullaway, Mayor Burdo
ABSENT: Colbert, Vice Mayor Burke
3.2 Memorial Park Parking Lot Renovation Project contract award Public Works Director Condry presented the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding whether the runoff would run into the creek due to less bio-retention; if large changes to the project would come to the Council; whether they should send out another bid in January.
Mayor Burdo opened the meeting to public comments.
Steve had questions about the timing of the project.
Mayor Burdo closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Fineman stated she likes the project as conceived and presented.
Mayor Burdo stated the parking lot is in a state of disrepair.
M/s, Fineman/Kullaway, Motion to accept the Memorial Park Parking Lot Renovation Project contract award
AYES: Fineman, Kullaway, Mayor Burdo
ABSENT: Colbert, Vice Mayor Burke
3.3 Introduce an Ordinance Amending the Town’s Green Building Regulations.
Climate Action Coordinator Youra presented the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation.
Public Works Director Condry discussed staff-recommended changes to the ordinance. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding the cost of a conductor; when changes can be made to an ordinance; differentiating between existing and new solar PVs; the threshold for the number of long-term bike parking spaces for multi-family residences.
Mayor Burdo opened the meeting to public comments.
Ms. Sue Saunders, Ms. Kathleen Gundry, Lucy, and Michael supported the ordinance.
Mayor Burdo closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Fineman supported the ordinance and the amendments discussed.
Councilmember Kullaway wanted to change the requirement for long-term bike parking in multifamily residences to one per unit.
Mayor Burdo thanked staff for the great work and the community for wanting to embrace these policies.
5 M/s, Kullaway/Fineman, Motion to Introduce by title only and waive further reading an Ordinance of the Town Council of the Town of San Anselmo Repealing and Replacing San Anselmo Municipal Code Title 9, “Building Regulations”, Chapter 19, Green Building Requirements to Adopt Amendments to the California Green Buildings Standards Code to Reflect Local Conditions with the amendments discussed tonight.
AYES: Fineman, Kullaway, Mayor Burdo
ABSENT: Colbert, Vice Mayor Burke
4. Closed Session
4.1 Mayor Burdo announced that item 4.2 will be discussed in Closed Session
4.2 Conference with Legal Counsel- Existing Litigation
Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Name of Case: George W. Lucas Jr. as Trustee of the GWL Living Trust v. All Persons Unknown, Claiming Any Legal or Equitable Right, Title, Estate, Lien, or Interest in the Property Described in the Compliant Adverse to Plaintiff’s Title, et seq. (Marin County Superior Court No 2301412) Quiet Title Action
4.3 Public Comment on Closed Session Items
There were no comments.
4.4 Council adjourns to Closed Session
Council reconvened in the Council Chambers and Mayor Burdo reported the Council voted unanimously to authorize the Town Attorney to file a disclaimer of interest in this case. The decision is based on the Town’s finding that it has no interest in the subject property nor is there any potential public use that could be made of the property.
Mayor Burdo adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Toni DeFrancis,
Recording Secretary