1 San Anselmo Approved Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Town Council Chambers and via Zoom
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Interviews for the General Plan Advisory Committee- 6:10 p.m.
The Council interviewed Laurie Berliner, Spencer Michels, Richard Berkson, Danielle Staude, April Hewes, Alexander Hamblet, Wesley (Richard) Pratt, Nicholas (Nick) Pappas, and Jill McNamara
Call to Order: Optional Pledge of Allegiance
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Burdo
Eileen Burke, Mayor
Brian Colbert (via Zoom)
Alexis Fineman
Tarrell Kullaway
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Dave Donery, Town Manager
Megan Acevedo, Town Attorney (via Zoom)
Serge Avila, Town Clerk
Jeff Zuba, Finance Director
Heidi Scoble, Planning Director
Sean Condry, Public Works Director
Scott Schneider, Assistant Public Works Director
Linda Kenton, Town Librarian
Dannielle Mauk, Recreation Director
Open Time for Public Expression
Mr. Guy Meyer talked about what ecology means and what it is to be a human.
Rabbi Moshe Berkovich stated the Jewish Holiday of Shavuot begins today at sunset. The holiday celebrates when God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai.
Mr. Don Hodge discussed the recent Webinar presented by Dr. Alex Padrukus at the Library about the Middle East. He thanked the Library for facilitating an event that would surely be a controversial topic. He was dismayed at the cancellation of the second session.
Council requests for future agenda items; Committee liaison reports; questions and comments to staff; miscellaneous items
Councilmember Burdo stated he would like to move agenda item #2.5 up to the beginning of the agenda. He reported the Ross Valley Fire Board meeting would be held tomorrow night; the Central Marin Police Authority (CMPA) Board of Directors would be held this Thursday night; there will be a Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting this Thursday; he recognized the Library staff for handling a difficult week.
M/s, Burdo/Burke, Motion to move agenda item #2.5 and hear it as the first item on the agenda.
2 AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke Vice Mayor Kullaway reported she attended the Webinar event at the Library; the MCE Technical Committee meeting; the Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting; the transportation focused General Plan update committee meeting.
Councilmember Fineman reported she does not have any updates; she would spend the night sitting Torah.
Mayor Burke reported she attended the Memorial Park Advisory Committee meeting; she discussed the Speaker Series that was scheduled by the Library and why the second session was cancelled; discussed the recent Drag Story Hour that was cancelled due to a bomb threat.
Councilmember Colbert reported he attended the Marin Transit Authority (MTA) meeting.
Town Manager Donery reported they are at the tail end of the re-roofing and HVAC replacement project. The temporary air conditioning units in the Council Chambers are a bit loud- they could be turned down if it becomes a problem.
Town Librarian Kenton discussed the controversy experienced by the Library staff over the last week. She discussed the role of the Library to the community. She thanked the Council for its support.
1. Consent Agenda
1.1 Approved the Draft Minutes of the Town Council Meeting- May 28, 2024
1.2 Adopted Resolution No. 2024-4548 Calling an Election to fill three seats on the San Anselmo Council to be Held and Consolidated with the General Municipal Election scheduled for November 5, 2024, and requesting that the Marin County Registrar of Voters Conduct the Election
1.3 Received and Filed the Report of Checks Issued, May 2024
1.4 Authorized a Lease Agreement with ARYIIS for the Leasing of Artist Studios at Isabel Cook Center
1.5 Adopted Resolution No. 2024-4549 to Establish a Policy Requiring Construction Bonds for Private Development Projects to Ensure Completion
Mayor Burke opened the meeting to public comments
Mr. Jeff Kroot stated item #1.5 should not be on the Consent Calendar. There should be a definition of a “housing development project”. He opposed the provision that allows for staff discretion.
Mr. Philip Chigos referred to item #1.5 and agreed with Mr. Kroot- it should be discussed. The policy would make development more expensive.
Mayor Burke closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Burdo stated he would like to pull item #1.5 from the Consent Calendar. 3 M/s, Burdo/Kullaway, Motion to approve Consent Calendar items #1.1 through #1.4.
AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke
1.5 Adopt a Resolution to Establish a Policy Requiring Construction Bonds for Private Development Projects to Ensure Completion
Councilmember Burdo asked if this item could be discussed at a future meeting or if there is a sense of urgency.
Planning Director Scoble stated this item could be deferred to a future meeting. The resolution is written to be bifurcated.
Public Works Director Condry discussed situations that have occurred in the past and he urged the Council to adopt this very important tool.
Councilmember Burdo stated this type of issue should be on the regular agenda.
Councilmember Fineman stated Part 4A is objective while Part 4B is very discretionary. Staff should be making a determination early in the process. The criteria should be clear from the outset.
Mayor Burke noted the difference between Part A (large developments) and Part B were substantial. She is prepared to move forward with Part A but would support continuing Part B.
M/s, Burke/Burdo, Motion to Adopt a Resolution to Establish a Policy Requiring Construction Bonds for Private Development Projects to Ensure Completion, striking from the definitions (B), (C), and 4(B).
AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke M/s, Burke/Burdo, Motion to discuss the issue of 4(B) at a future meeting.
AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke Council Business Items
2.5 Consider Making and Ratifying Appointments to the General Plan Advisory Committee Town Clerk Avila presented the staff report. He answered a question from the Council regarding whether the Council should designate the alternate position.
Mayor Burke opened the meeting to public comments.
There were no comments.
Mayor Burke closed the meeting to public comments.
Mayor Burke noted the vote should be for a student, plus four, plus an alternate.
Council member Burdo voted as follows: Alexander Hamblet (Youth Commissioner), Sara Robinson, Richard Berkson, Danielle Staude, Kerrie McHugh, April Hewes (alternate).
Mayor Burke voted as follows: Alexander Hamblet (Youth Commissioner), Danielle Staude, Laurie Berliner, Sara Robinson, Spencer Michels, and Monica Schmiede (alternate).
Vice Mayor Kullaway voted as follows: Alexander Hamblet (Youth Commissioner), April Hewes, 4 Irene White, Nick Pappas, Spencer Michels, and Sara Robinson (alternate).
Councilmember Fineman voted as follows: Alexander Hamblet (Youth Commissioner), April Hewes, Irene White, Nick Pappas, Richard Berkson, and Spencer Michels.
Councilmember Colbert voted as follows: Alexander Hamblet (Youth Commissioner), Richard Berkson, Sara Robinson, Kerrie McHugh, Wesley Pratt, and Danielle Staude (alternate).
Planning Director Scoble stated there were three clear members: Richard Berkson, Sara Robinson, and Spencer Michels.
Mayor Burke asked for a vote on who should be the fourth member and who should be the alternate (Danielle Staude vs. April Hewes). She noted the alternate would have no voting powers but would attend and participate in the meetings.
It was the consensus of the Council to choose April Hewes as the voting member Mayor Burke announced that Richard Berkson, Sara Robinson, Spencer Michels, and April Hewes were appointed to the General Plan Advisory Committee with Danielle Staude appointed as the alternate and Alexander Hamblet as the Youth Commissioner.
2.1 Adopt a Resolution to Submit Rent Stabilization Ordinance to Voters Based on Referendum Petition
Town Attorney Acevedo presented the staff report. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding the word limit for the ballot question; if the Council has time to decide whether or not to submit arguments in favor or against; if a Councilmember can independently submit an argument for or against and use his or her title; if members of the community can submit an argument in favor or in opposition; if there is an order of placement (ranking) on the ballot; if the three Councilmembers in support could write one letter and sign it or if it needs to be separate letters; how the Brown Act would apply to one letter signed by three Councilmembers.
Mayor Burke opened the meeting to public comments
There were no comments.
Mayor Burke closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Burdo stated the language in the staff report was adequate. He was in favor of the Town issuing a statement.
Vice Mayor Kullaway stated the Council should make a statement.
Councilmember Fineman stated the question should include language referencing that this is for larger rental units (triplex and above). She suggested the following wording: “rental units, triplexes and larger” instead of “residential real property”. She suggested other language changes.
Mayor Burke liked the wording as is but supported the wording “residential real property (applied only to triplexes and larger)”. She does not support adopting an argument due to the divided Council. This should be done by community members.
Councilmember Colbert agreed with Mayor Burke- he is uncomfortable with the Council in its entirety offering any kind of statement of support.
5 Councilmember Burdo stated this is the policy that the Town chose to enact and it would be prudent for the Town to stand by the policy that the majority of the Council voted for.
Councilmember Fineman stated this is a substantive issue and the Council should come out in support.
Vice Mayor Kullaway stated the statement should come from the entire Council.
Mayor Burke disagreed- anything authored should come from the three members of the Council.
She asked staff to bring more information about how ballot arguments work at the next meeting.
Councilmember Fineman wanted to move forward with the Council submitting an argument.
She would like to appoint one to two members to write the argument based on the assumption that a Councilmember can choose not to have his or her name appear on it.
Mayor Burke stated she would like to know the full spectrum of the rules and options before making a decision.
Councilmember Colbert agreed with Mayor Burke- he would like to get the questions answered.
This is not time-sensitive.
M/s, Fineman/Burdo, Motion to Adopt a Resolution to Submit Rent Stabilization Ordinance to Voters Based on Referendum Petition with the agreed upon changes to the wording to include a parenthetical about the applicability AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke M/s, Fineman/Kullaway, Motion that the Council authorize a ballot argument in favor.
AYES: Burdo, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway
NOES: Colbert, Mayor Burke
Councilmember Fineman and Vice Mayor Kullaway volunteered to author the ballot argument.
Councilmember Colbert left the meeting.
2.2 Consider the Approval of the Memorial Park Master Plan Draft Amendments Recreation Director Mauk and Public Works Director Condry presented the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Mike Cook, representing Integra Planning and Landscape Architecture, discussed the preferred alternative. Staff and Mr. Cook answered questions from the Council regarding the location of the basketball court hoop; if there was Spanish language outreach; if they have selected tree species; if there have been discussions about water storage under the courts; if a sound buffer could be built in the event of noise complaints; if this project could be done in phases.
Mayor Burke opened the meeting to public comments
Lisa stated she would like to see the Skate Park remain in the design. She supported the plan.
Ms. Kat Austin, member of the Memorial Park Advisory Committee, supported Option One and stated it is a great starting point.
Mr. Derek Corr, member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, was proud of the plan and would like to see it move forward.
6 Mr. Steve Texeira stated he skates at the park and will be running skate camps during the summer.
Mr. Rod Kerr, member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, thanked everyone who helped with the design. He loves this design for a variety of reasons- it was unanimously approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission !
Mayor Burke closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Burdo supported the Master Plan and wanted to develop an Action Plan to make sure it is implemented. He is stoked!
Vice Mayor Kullaway appreciated the outreach.
Councilmember Fineman stated this is a great plan. She thanked Mayor Burke and Councilmember Burdo for their hard work.
Mayor Burke stated it has been a joy working on this project because it expands the age groups using the park.
M/s, Burdo/Fineman, Motion to adopt the amendment to the Memorial Park Master Plan.
AYES: Burdo, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke
ABSENT: Colbert
2.3 Receive and Provide Feedback on the Proposed 5-Year Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Public Works Director Condry and Assistant Public Works Director Schneider presented the staff report and gave a PowerPoint presentation. Staff answered questions regarding Capital Projects associated with upgrading facilities; the timeline for receiving Measure B funds; if Measure B is accounted for in the CIP; a major street repair vs. a slurry seal; if the slurry seal budget should increase each year as the PCI (pavement index) improves; why the Active Transportation Fund drops off in Fiscal Year 2026; which of the projects have committed funding; if the BPAC is involved in prioritizing Active Transportation Funds; why the lower grass area at Robson Harrington is not included in Park Improvements.
Mayor Burke opened the meeting to public comments.
Ms. Sue Saunders, member of the Climate Action Commission, stated the Town is doing incredible work on climate change.
Mayor Burke closed the meeting to public comments.
Public Works Director Condry stated staff would bring this item back for approval at the next meeting.
2.4 Adopt a Resolution Approving the 2023/24 Budget Amendments and the 2024/25 Proposed Budget
Finance Director Zuba presented the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding expiration dates on the Debt Service; reasons for the surplus; an appropriate level for the Reserve Account and if the policy should be reviewed.
Mayor Burke opened the meeting to public comments.
7 There were no comments.
Mayor Burke closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Fineman stated the Active Transportation Fund should be kept as a separate tab and should be budgeted at $100,000.
Mayor Burke supported the creation of a Park Capital Improvement Fund with a budget of $500,000. More parks should be developed in Town.
M/s, Burdo/Kullaway, Motion to Adopt a Resolution Approving the 2023/24 Budget Amendments and the 2024/25 Proposed Budget with Mayor Burke’s suggested increase the transfer to the Park Capital Improvement Fund to $500,000 and Councilmember Fineman’s suggestion to bring the Active Transportation Fund back to $100,000.
AYES: Burdo, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke
ABSENT: Colbert
2.6 Consider Appointing a Town Councilmember to the San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce for the Remainder of 2024
Mayor Burke gave a report and stated it was a Tuesday morning meeting.
Mayor Burke opened the meeting to public comments.
There were no comments.
Mayor Burke closed the meeting to public comments.
Mayor Burke volunteered to serve as the Council representative to the Chamber of Commerce.
M/s, Burdo/Fineman, Motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 p.m.
AYES: Burdo, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke
ABSENT: Colbert
Respectfully submitted,
Toni DeFrancis,
Recording Secretary