1 San Anselmo Approved Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Town Council Chambers and via Zoom
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Interviews for the Library Tax Oversight Committee- 6:40 p.m.
The Council interviewed Margaret Ohanlon and Judy Baldarassi.
Call to Order: Optional Pledge of Allegiance
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Burdo
Eileen Burke, Mayor
Brian Colbert
Alexis Fineman
Tarrell Kullaway
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Dave Donery, Town Manager
Megan H. Acevedo, Town Attorney
Serge Avila, Town Clerk
Heidi Scoble, Planning Director via Zoom
Sean Condry, Public Works Director
Scott Schneider, Assistant Public Works Director
Open Time for Public Expression
An individual who lives on San Francisco Boulevard asked about the status of the large project proposed at the end of the street.
Melissa Walstrom spoke in support of Measure B.
An individual stated the street sweeping schedule should be made public so people could move his or her vehicle. She was concerned about speeding near the roundabout.
Mr. Joe McGarry talked about an individual who was murdered/executed in Missouri for a crime he did not commit.
Ms. Brigit Clark, member of the Climate Action Commission, passed around a pledge sheet for California Clean Air Day.
Council requests for future agenda items; Committee liaison reports; questions and comments to staff; miscellaneous items
Councilmember Burdo reported he attended the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District; “Live on the Avenue” has continued to be awesome with “Battle of the Bands” scheduled for next week; he met last Sunday at Peet’s coffee with some residents about ebikes.
Councilmember Colbert reported he attended the Sleepy Hollow Fire District celebration; the Clean Tech Expo and spoke on behalf of the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM); a celebration for Dr. Matt Willis; a luncheon for Latinas in Power; participating in the recent Town 2 Parade; attended “Porch Fest” in San Rafael and the “Rose Bowl” in Larkspur; the 70th Anniversary of Vivalon; the 50-Year Anniversary of Homeward Bound; the picnic in Greenbrae.
Vice Mayor Kullaway reported she attended the MCCMC Legislative Committee meeting.
Councilmember Fineman reported she attended the community meeting in Town Hall hosted by the Public Works Department and Parametrics Traffic Engineering; gave an update on the MCE meeting.
Mayor Burke reported she attended the Electrification Ad Hoc Committee meeting; hiked the Sorich Trail and met with some property owners; a General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meeting; participated in the Town Parade.
Town Manager Donery stated they are entering into the final weekend of the “Live on the Avenue” series. The Fall Downtown Clean-Up Volunteer Event will be held on Sunday, October 12th at 9:00 a.m.
Special Presentation
Adopt a Proclamation Recognizing Public Health Officer Matt Willis for his Many Years of Public Service
Mayor Burke read and presented the Proclamation to Dr. Willis.
Dr. Willis stated it was an honor to have served Marin County.
The Council thanked Dr. Willis for his years of extraordinary service.
1. Consent Agenda
1.1 Approved the Draft Minutes of the Town Council Meeting- September 10, 2024
1.2 Received the Tax Equity Rebate Program Overview and 2024 Rebate Summary
1.3 Received the Revenue and Expenditure Reports, August 2024
1.4 Received the Recreation Fund Finance Report for the month of August 2024
1.5 Adopted United Against Hate Week Town of San Anselmo Resolution No. 2024-4560
1.6 Approved the Reappointment of Richard Berkson to the Town of San Anselmo Tax Equity Board
1.7 Approved a Consulting Contract for the 2025 Street Resurfacing Project
1.8 Approved of Special Event Application- 50th Anniversary of Creek Park Celebration Mayor Burke opened the meeting to public comments
Ms. April Hughes, member of the Racial Equity Committee, supported item #1.5 Mr. Guy Meyers spoke about item #1.8.
Mayor Burke closed the meeting to public comments.
3 Councilmember Colbert discussed items #1.5 and #1.6.
M/s, Burdo/Kullaway, Motion to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted.
AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke
Council Business Items
2.1 Receive the Sorich Park Multiuse Trail Presentation and Provide Direction to Staff Vice Mayor Kullaway recused herself from this item and left the Council Chambers.
Mayor Burke stated the Council read all the emails that were sent and appreciates the input.
She asked everyone to remain open minded to all values.
Public Works Director Condry presented the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding the Rene Vos alternative; if the County is against Alternative B; time line and boundaries for Alternative E; hybrid alternatives; the approval process for building a bridge; the County’s approval process and timeline for alternative A; if there are any alternatives do not go over a creek; if a connect through the cemetery would allow access to Sun Valley; if staff is exploring alternatives that would satisfy everyone.
Mayor Burke opened the meeting to public comments.
Henry Johnson (Option B), Erin, Sebene Rhodes, an individual, Jason (Option A), William Fair (Option A), Erik Cutter (Option A), Zantha Brusso, Elisa Gray, Ken Matsen, Justin (Option A), John Chedum, Ted Falhaber (Option A), Guy Century, Miller Haund, Joy, Felix Shuldner, Krista Hoff, Ken Hosman, Bill Keene, an individual, Walter Meservy, Nick Pappas, Brigit Clark, Hannah and Laura Childress (Option A), Amy and Ian Flynn (Option A), Sandor, Bill Englehart, and Vernon Huffman spoke in favor of a multiuse trail.
Sandra Howard, Guy Meyer, Lois Burto, Cathy Sanders, Danielle Diaz, Jeff Kroot, and Rosanne Dal Bello spoke in opposition to a multiuse trail
Mr. Rene Voss explained Alternative E and asked staff and the Council to continue to explore options.
Ms. Linda Novy supported equestrian use of the trail
Mr. Jonathon Bruan asked the Council to not rush into a decision. He stated there is a Town adopted Master Plan for Sorich Park.
Ms. Anne Adams was opposed to the creation of new trails and the disturbance of soil.
Ms. Svetlana Darsh stated she wanted to get people out of cars and this is not the solution.
Mr. Erik Selvick asked the Council to take a look at the impact on the neighborhood.
Mayor Burke closed the meeting to public comments.
The Council took a 10-minute break.
The Council reconvene in the Council Chambers.
4 Councilmember Fineman discussed the tranquility and safety concerns and stated any option including bikes would need to include the use of chicanes to slow speeds. The sight lines on the Town’s portion of the trail are pretty good. There is a way to share this trail and cyclists need access. She would like to look into Alternative E as a hiking alternative.
Councilmember Colbert stated cycling on Butterfield Road is dangerous and they need to find a way to get people out of cars. He rejects the dichotomy of bike vs. hiker. There have been plenty of opportunities to speak on this issue and he is prepared to vote for Alternative A. He wants to get this done.
Councilmember Burdo understood the concerns about safety. He liked Alternative A with Alternative E as the hiking trail. He did not want to close the door on the potential for Alternative F. He agreed with the necessity for chicanes and other speed measures.
Mayor Burke stated Sorich Park is unique as open space because it is more like a readily accessible “park”. The use is different- it is used by older and very young people. This is an important value worth preserving. She would like to figure out a way to satisfy all values and not leave anyone behind. She is not opposed to Alternative A but thinks it is the last choice. She would like to preserve Sorich Park for hiking, if possible. She does support the creation of a connector. She did not want to make a decision tonight and wanted to further explore alternatives.
Councilmember Burdo stated he would not mind bringing this back in October. He asked about potential conflicts to the Sorich Park Master Plan.
Town Attorney Acevedo stated the Council would need to consider whether or not the project is in conflict with the Master Plan prior to approving a project. The Master Plan is a guiding document and not a law.
Councilmember Colbert stated he would like to move on this tonight. Access for Bikes offered to build a separate trail.
Public Works Director Condry explained the alternatives.
Mayor Burke stated she favored Alternative C.
Councilmember Fineman favored a version of Alternative C. She wants to move forward with multi-modal Alternative A and look at hike only options. It did not make sense to look at a single-use trail for bikes.
Mayor Burke made a motion to direct staff to proceed with recommendation C, and within that recommendation, to proceed with trail alignment A and E and work with Marin County Open Space to come back with trail projects for approval and also consider Options E and F if viable.
There was no second on this motion.
M/s, Fineman/Burdo, motion to proceed with trail alignment A as a multi-modal trail with speed controls and that parallel to that they explore other trail concepts for the park that may be single or multi-use that are not limited to Options E or F.
AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Mayor Burke
RECUSED: Vice Mayor Kullaway
M/s, Burdo/Fineman, Motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:56 p.m. 5 AYES: Burdo, Colbert, Fineman, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke Respectfully submitted,
Toni DeFrancis,
Recording Secretary