1 San Anselmo Approved Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Town Council Chambers and via Zoom
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Call to Order: Optional Pledge of Allegiance
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Burdo
Eileen Burke, Mayor
Brian Colbert
Tarrell Kullaway
Alexis Fineman
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Dave Donery, Town Manager
Megan Acevedo, Town Attorney
Serge Avila, Town Clerk
Dannielle Mauk, Recreation Director
Linda Kenton, Town Librarian
Mattie O’Grady, Recreation Program Manager
Sean Condry, Public Works Director
Sean Youra, Climate Action Coordinator
Mayor Burke stated she would like to move item #2.2 to a future agenda.
M/s, Burdo/Kullaway Motion to continue item #2.2 to a future agenda.
AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke
Open Time for Public Expression
Ross discussed a recent article in the Independent Journal about a committee urging residents to vote “No” on Measure F. He cited the donors and noted there was no Counter Argument to the measure. There should be a forum for public debate on this issue.
Michelle complained about power outages and the increase in PG&E rates.
Ms. April Hughes, member of the Racial Equity Committee, discussed the Eviction Notice sent to the Fairfax/San Anselmo Children’s Center.
Mr. Guy Meyer talked about plans for Reimagine Creek Park and asked the Town to be explicit and honest in its promotional material.
Council requests for future agenda items; Committee liaison reports; questions and comments to staff; miscellaneous items
Councilmember Burdo reported he attended the Central Marin Police Authority Board of Directors meeting; the Town’s Flood Committee meeting; noted the Flood Zone 9 Board does not recognize alternates; attended the Chinese Lunar New Year’s Celebration; he asked the Council to discuss making a pledge, followed by a contribution, in support of the Fairfax/San Anselmo Children’s Center. The Council agreed to this request.
Councilmember Colbert reported he attended the Marin County Council of Mayors and 2 Councilmembers (MCCMC) meeting; the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) meeting; the State Route 37 Policy Committee meeting; the Marin Economic Forum- Forecasting the Future.
Vice Mayor Kullaway reported she attended the TAM focus group regarding the Countywide Transportation Plan; the Pine Street Clinic’s Lunar New Year’s Celebration; the General Plan Update Committee meeting.
Councilmember Fineman reported she attended the Conservation League Climate Action Working Group meeting; met with the County Sustainability Team; there was a Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) field trip regarding the Greater Ross Valley Shaded Fuel Break Project; she asked the Council to form an ad hoc committee to look at the options to the “allelectric upon new construction standard”. The Council agreed to this request. Mayor Burke selected herself and Councilmember Fineman to serving on this ad hoc committee.
Mayor Burke reported she attended the Town’s Flood Committee meeting; attended one of the events in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of St. Anselm’s School; attended the Chinese New Year’s Eve Celebration.
Town Manager Donery stated there will be representatives from PG&E at the next meeting. He thanked the Public Works Department crew for its rapid response during the storms.
Town Librarian Kenton discussed how storms and outages affect the operations of the Library.
1. Consent Agenda
1.1 Approve the Draft Minutes January 23, 2024
1.2 Fiscal Year 2022/23 Audited Annual Financial Report
1.3 Special Event Application- Teen Battle of the Band 2024
1.4 Quarterly Treasurer’s Investment Report, December 2023
1.5 Special Event Application- Chamber of Commerce’s Sip n’ Stroll Fundraiser 2024
1.6 Approve a Resolution of Acceptance for the Upper Hawthorne Canyon Property in San Anselmo and Finding the Action Categorically Exempt from CEQA under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)
Mayor Burke opened the meeting to public comments
Johnathon discussed item #1.6 and the collaborative efforts.
Mayor Burke closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Colbert thanked Finance Director Zuba on his handling of the Town finances.
Mayor Burke stated she would like to pull item #1.6 for discussion.
M/s, Burdo/Colbert, Motion to approve items #1.2 through #1.5 AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke 3 M/s, Burdo/Fineman, Motion to approve item #1.1.
AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Mayor Burke
ABSTAIN: Vice Mayor Kullaway
1.6 Approve a Resolution of Acceptance for the Upper Hawthorne Canyon Property in San Anselmo and Finding the Action Categorically Exempt from CEQA under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)
Mayor Burke discussed how long these projects take and how difficult they are to implement.
Councilmembers Burdo gave a “shout out” to Johnathon and the Open Space Committee for their time and energy.
Councilmember Fineman stated she looks forward to hearing about the maintenance plan from the Open Space Committee.
M/s, Burdo/Colbert, Motion to approve items #1.6. Approving Resolution No. 2024-4526.
AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke
Business Items
2.1 Consider the Approval of the Traffic Calming Program and Funds from the Active Transportation Funding
Public Works Director Condry presented staff report. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding the cost of installing the two speed humps on San Anselmo Avenue; if there are opportunities to incorporate more speed hump in the Annual Streets Program; if a speed survey is required before adding speed humps; if the traffic calming guidelines that include education and enforcement before engineering are being used; how the program will be marketed and prioritized; restrictions for installing speed humps; if other measures such as signage are a part of installing the speed humps.
Mayor Burke opened the meeting to public comments.
There were no comments.
Mayor Burke closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Burdo supported the program and stated installation could be triaged based on need and safety.
Councilmember Colbert stated this program could be a model for other communities.
Councilmember Fineman stated she trusts staff to identify the areas of need. These funds are intended to be used on streets that are not a part of the Capital Improvements Program.
Vice Mayor Kullaway proposed an RFP process for neighborhoods that want speed humps.
She would like to see a more proactive as opposed to a reactive process.
Mayor Burke stated this should be considered during any paving project. She likes the idea of citizen input but she did not want this to become a popularity contest. 4 M/s, Fineman/Burdo, Motion to approve the Traffic Calming Program and Funds from the Active Transportation Funding.
AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke
2.2 Receive a Presentation on the San Anselmo Volunteer Effort (S.A.V.E.) Program Mayor Burke stated this item has been continued to a future agenda.
2.3 Consideration of Special Event Application- Live on the Avenue 2024 Recreation Program Manager O’Grady presented the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding if there will be selection criteria in terms of the permitting process; if a full-time staff person for this event has been considered; which stage will be used for the Battle of the Bands WINNER; how the movies for Movie Nights are picked and what is involved with getting the rights; if the increase in cost is mainly due to security; why they would need to pay for Central Marin Police Authority Community Services Officer; if there will be music in the new area; if donated funds could be earmarked for a specific part of the event; the DJ in the Kid’s Zone; would a merchant need a permit to hold a separate activity; how businesses not on the avenue can get involved; how the permitting process would work along with any appeal process; will this process come before the Council.
Mayor Burke opened the meeting to public comments.
Nicole stated she looks forward to participating in the event.
Ms. Kelsey Fernandez discussed the “Raising the Bar Program” and the reduction of underaged substance use as a goal.
Mayor Burke closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Burdo stated $38,000 is a great deal for this type of event. He thanked the donors.
Councilmember Colbert stated San Anselmo sets the pace for community vitality in Northern California.
Mayor Burke stated this event ends relatively early in the evening and do not become “drunk fests”. She preferred the staffing proposal that includes the Code Enforcement Officer and the Public Works Crew member as opposed to. a security company. She would like some type of acknowledgement for the fundraisers.
M/s, Burdo/Kullaway, Motion to approve the Special Event Application for Live on the Avenue 2024.
AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke M/s, Burdo/Kullaway, Motion to approve the closing of San Anselmo Avenue Friday and Saturday evenings, July 5, 2024 through September 28, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and the street closures to include San Anselmo Avenue from Tunstead to Tamalpais, and San Anselmo Avenue from Pine to Woodland, and to approve the proposed budget for logistic and event expenses.
AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke 5 The Council thanked the Recreation Department for the great work! The Council took a break at 8:45 p.m.
The Council reconvened in the Council Chambers at 8:56 p.m.
2.4 Resolution Adopting a Fleet Zero-Emissions Vehicle Policy Climate Coordinator Youra presented the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding whether staff works with a consultant when purchase a single vehicle or fleet of vehicles; the Life Cycle Analysis and the 20% cost differential threshold with respect to leasing; if the 20% includes upgrading of the infrastructure; a shared fleet; regulations regarding disposals; if staff has an idea of how long it would take to become completely electric.
Mayor Burke opened the meeting to public comments.
Ms. Sue Saunders, Chair of the Climate Action Commission, stated the language should be changed to prohibit the Town from purchasing new gas vehicles.
Kathleen stated this policy has been a long time coming. She discussed the availability of rebates and credits.
Mayor Burke closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Burdo supports the policy. Purchase of a gas vehicle should be a last resort.
Councilmember Colbert supports the policy. The Climate Action Commission could make revisions in the future.
Vice Mayor Kullaway supports the policy.
Councilmember Fineman stated the emphasis should be on the vehicles that are most heavily used. The purchase of any new gas or diesel vehicle should be approved by the Council.
Mayor Burke stated they are making progress. She would not support a prohibition on purchasing new gas vehicles since a new vehicle could be more efficient than a used vehicle.
She would like to give flexibility to the Fleet Manager. She supports the policy.
M/s, Burdo/Fineman, Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024-4527 Adopting a Fleet ZeroEmissions Vehicle Policy with the addition per Councilmember Fineman’s suggestion that any gas or diesel vehicle purchase would come before the Council for approval.
AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway
NOES: Mayor Burke
2.5 Council to approve the installation of Nalo Xboxes at Town Facilities Recreation Director Mauk presented the staff report. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding whether staff could create a map indicating the box locations; if other jurisdictions have done this type of installation; if staff has considered a Pilot Program with a life span for review; if the goal is access.
Mayor Burke opened the meeting to public comments.
6 Ms. Anita Renzeti, representing OD Free Marin, supported the proposal and thanked Recreation Director Mauk for her leadership. Her organization is willing to help in any way.
Ms. Lisa Graham supported the proposal and stated “Preparedness Pays Off”.
Mayor Burke closed the meeting to public comments.
M/s, Colbert/Burdo, Motion to approve the installation of Nalo Xboxes at Town Facilities AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke
2.6 For the Council to Review the List of Town Council Committee Assignments and Make Appointments for 2024
Town Clerk Avila presented the staff report. Staff answered questions regarding whether Committee #5 and #9 were combined; how Committee #8 differs from #15; the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) alternate position; if they could appoint two alternates to the Ross Valley Fire Board.
Mayor Burke opened the meeting to public comments.
There were no comments.
Mayor Burke closed the meeting to public comments.
The Council discussed the assignments and the following changes were made: 1) Mayor Burke will be on the Reimagine Creek Park Community Advisory Committee; 2) Vice Mayor Kullaway replaced Councilmember Fineman on the MCCMC Legislative Committee; 3) Public Works Director Condry replaced Councilmember Burdo on MERA; 4) Mayor Burke replaced Councilmember Colbert on the Ross Valley School District Committee; 5) Councilmember Burdo replaced Councilmember Colbert on the JEPA with Councilmember Colbert as the alternate; 6) Mayor Burke replaced Councilmember Colbert on the Safe Routes to Schools Task Force with Councilmember Colbert as the alternate; 7) Mayor Burke will be the second alternate on the Ross Valley Fire Board; 8) Vice Mayor Kullaway will be the alternate to the ABAG General Assembly.
The meeting was adjourned 10:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Toni DeFrancis,
Recording Secretary