1 San Anselmo Approved Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Town Council Chambers and via Zoom
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Interviews for the Arts Commission- 6:50 p.m.
The Council interviewed Tanya Henry for the Arts Commission.
Call to Order: Optional Pledge of Allegiance
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Tarrell Kullaway (Mayor)
Steve Burdo (Vice Mayor)
Eileen Burke
Yoav Schlesinger
Chantel Walker
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Dave Donery, Town Manager
Megan Acevedo, Town Attorney
Serge Avila, Town Clerk
Heidi Scoble, Planning Director
Jeff Zuba, Finance Director
Sean Condry, Public Works Director
Erica Freeman, Building Official
Mattie O’Grady, Community Services Director
Kelly Warner, Community Engagement
Open Time for Public Expression
Mr. Ross Asselstine, San Anselmo Avenue, displayed a visual aid and discussed flooding, how water moves down the creek, and funding for bridges.
Ms. Rosanne dalBello discussed a cross section of the proposed excavation near the Redwood trees in Creek Park. Removing roots from these trees could cause them to fall.
Ms. Ann Politzer, Brookside Drive, was concerned about the way the Council “froze out” Councilmember Burke from two Council Committee assignments. She thought it was orchestrated prior to the meeting.
Ms. Anna Franzoia was outraged at the fact that four members of the Council have been coordinating to keep Councilmember Burke off of certain Council Committees. Regular rotations should occur.
Ms. Katie Hogan, Parkway Avenue, stated the Council should recognize the will of the people that they serve. Excluding Councilmember Burke from certain Committee assignments is wrong and punitive.
Mr. Steve DeMartini discussed the lack of fairness displayed by certain Councilmembers in making Council Committee assignments.
Ms. Suzanne Langelia, Tunstead Avenue, stated excluding Councilmember Burke is wrong and 2 she supported a Committee Rotation Resolution submitted to the Town. She stated some of the sidewalks are dangerous due to the lack of lighting and trip hazards.
Mr. John Rushworth supported Councilmember Burke and asked the Council to represent the citizens of San Anselmo.
Mr. Tim Burke supported the Committee Rotation Resolution and was concerned about a possible Brown Act violation.
Mr. Jeff Kroot was concerned about Councilmember Burke being passed over for a Committee assignment. He asked the Council to work together to get things done.
Mr. Paul Kornig supported the Committee Rotation Resolution. He asked the Council to listen to the citizens.
Mr. Guy Meyer strongly supported Councilmember Burke and asked the Council to revisit the assignments. He expressed concern about the Resilience Hub and the dangers of lithium batteries.
Mr. Todd Greenberg supported Councilmember Burke and was concerned about how business is being conducted in San Anselmo.
Carol stated she was concerned that the top vote getter in the last election was denied her choice of Council Committee assignments. It appears that there was pre-meeting coordinationa Brown Act violation.
Erin stated she has had good communication with Councilmember Burke and wanted to lend her support.
Ms. Barbara Nazari was concerned about the fracturing relationship between the business community and the Town. She was concerned about the time of the road closure during the Live on the Avenue Event and the possibility of making the downtown streets one-way.
Mr. Joe Burke, father of Eileen Burke, stated her hard work should be rewarded.
Mr. Tim Ecke, retired Ross Valley Fire Captain, discussed the importance of the Ross Valley Fire Board. Councilmember Burke deserves a shot at being on the Fire Board.
Mr. Dave Franzoia supported Councilmember Burke.
Ms. Kelsey Fernandez expressed concern about an email she received about Councilmember impropriety without offering any evidence. There are proper channels regarding allegations of ethics violations.
Mr. Pat Johnstone was distressed about the amount of time being taken on a self-serving subject and not more important issues.
Ms. Fran Farmer supported Councilmember Burke and stated she represents the best interests of the Town.
Ms. Ava Cressente agreed with the comments made by Mr. Meyer.
Ms. Bridget Clark wanted more information about the allegations of improprieties by certain Councilmembers.
3 Victor supported Councilmember Burke and the rotation of Council Committee assignment. He opposed the idea of a one-way street in the downtown area and expressed concern about Police coverage.
Mr. Frank Gomez agreed with the comments made by Erin. Equity and inclusion should be practiced.
Ms. Sue Saunders discussed climate change and rebates that are available.
Ms. Patricia Foley stated the rotation of Council Assignments should be fair and a procedure should be included in the Municipal Code.
Council requests for future agenda items; Committee liaison reports; questions and comments to staff; miscellaneous items.
Councilmember Walker discussed her focus on committee meetings and her priorities including cultivating more Fire Wise Groups.
Vice Mayor Burdo reported he attended the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority Finance Committee meeting; the ceremony for Mr. Joe Garbarino; responded to the comments made regarding possible Brown Act violations.
Councilmember Burke discussed her requests for Council Committee Assignments and how the rotations should work; she would like to place the resolution submitted by residents on an upcoming agenda.
Mayor Kullaway asked if there is Council support for placing a Rotation Policy Resolution for Council Committee Assignment on an upcoming agenda. Vice Mayor Burdo stated he would support putting this item on an upcoming agenda. Mayor Kullaway agreed. Councilmember Schlesinger stated he could support the request. Walker stated she did not want to put this on the agenda ahead of other important items.
Councilmember Burke stated she attended an MCCMC Zoom meeting; met with an individual in the Barber/Winship area regarding creating a Fire Wise Group in the Greenfield/Spring Grove; gave a “shout out” to the Archie Williams Girls and Boys Varsity Basketball teams (GO FALCONS!); was invited to Dominican College to speak to the Women’s Basketball Team.
Councilmember Schlesinger did not have a report.
Mayor Kullaway reported she attended the MCE new Board member orientation; went to the GGNRA Parks and Conservancy Fireside chat; the Marin Teen Girls Conference is scheduled for March 2nd; supported the proposed Climate Mural on the Memorial Park bathroom wall and encourage everyone to donate; denied there was Council collusion in the Committee Assignments process.
Town Attorney Acevedo stated she looked into the allegations of a Brown Act violation and has not found any evidence that there was any wrongdoing.
Special Presentation- none
1. Consent Agenda
4 1.1 Approved Resolution No. 2025-4565 Accepting the Sidewalk Right-of-Way Easement and Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute a Certificate of Acceptance for 121 Sequoia Drive Sidewalk Easement
1.2 Received a Report of Checks Issued, January 2025
1.3 Accepted the Resignation of Kathleen Gundry from the Climate Action Commission
1.4 Received the Recreation Fund Revenue and Expenditure Reports, January 2025
1.5 Approved Resolution No. 2025-4566 Accepting the Sidewalk Right-of-Way Easement and Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute a Certificate of Acceptance for 115 Sequoia Drive Sidewalk Easement
Mayor Kullaway opened the meeting to public comments.
There were no comments.
Mayor Kullaway closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Burdo stated he would like to pull item #1.3 for discussion.
M/s, Burdo/Schlesinger, Motion to approve Consent Calendar items #1.1, #1.2. #1.4, and #1.5
AYES: Burke, Schlesinger, Walker, Vice Mayor Burdo, Mayor Kullaway
1.3 Accept the Resignation of Kathleen Gundry from the Climate Action Commission The Council thanked Ms. Gundry for her service on the Climate Action Commission.
M/s, Burdo/Schlesinger, Motion to approve Consent Calendar items #1.3.
AYES: Burke, Schlesinger, Walker, Vice Mayor Burdo, Mayor Kullaway Council Business Items
2.1 Consider to Approve a Special Event Application- Live on the Avenue 2025 Recreation Director O’Grady and Community Engagement staff member Warner presented the staff report. Staff answered a question from the Council regarding a ballpark estimate on the budgetary impact of that coverage from CMPA.
Mayor Kullaway opened the meeting to public comments
Benedetto, representing the Chamber of Commerce, thanked the Town for listening to the business community. The Chamber is happy with the proposal Barbara supported the changes- it means a lot to the merchants. She suggested forming an advisory committee of the stakeholders.
Mr. Jeff Kroot stated he has a “perch” over the avenue and has noticed a lot of business is done late Friday afternoon. Closing the street at 5:30 p.m. might be a better option.
Frank was glad the street closure will begin at 5:00 p.m. The music should be more diverse and selected by a committee.
5 Ms. Jane McDonough suggested a “sing along” with a variety of music.
Mayor Kullaway closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Schlesinger clarified that at the last meeting he did not ask merchants to open his or her books. He wants to make data-driven policy.
M/s, Burdo/Walker, Motion to approve the 2025 Live on the Avenue Event Series from June 20th through September 27th, with street closures from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., music occurring from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the budget that was presented at the last Council meeting
AYES: Burke, Schlesinger, Walker, Vice Mayor Burdo, Mayor Kullaway The Council took a 5-minute break at 9:11 PM.
The Council reconvened at 9:16 PM.
2.2 Consider making Appointments to the Arts Commission and Open Space Committee Town Clerk Avila presented the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation. There were no questions from the Council.
Mayor Kullaway opened the meeting to public comments
There were no comments.
Mayor Kullaway closed the meeting to public comments.
M/s, Burdo/Schlesinger, Motion to appoint Mark Cohen, Grace Angel, and Tanya Henry to the Arts Commission
AYES: Burke, Schlesinger, Walker, Vice Mayor Burdo, Mayor Kullaway M/s, Walker/Burdo, Motion to appoint Daniel Krebs, Rene Voss, and Jamie Macke to the Open Space Committee.
AYES: Burke, Schlesinger, Walker, Vice Mayor Burdo, Mayor Kullaway
2.3. Council Approved Resolution No. 2025-4567 Amending the 2024/25 Budget.
Finance Director Zuba presented the staff report. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding expenses from the Park Improvement Fund; if there are concerns about Federal funds; the total cost for the Housing Element; Emergency Project Funds; increase in the Plan Check Fees.
Mayor Kullaway opened the meeting to public comments.
Mr. Todd Greenberg complimented staff on the transparent report. He suggested that information be made available regarding grants.
Mayor Kullaway closed the meeting to public comments.
M/s, Burdo/Schlesinger, motion to approve a Resolution Amending the 2024/25 Budget.
AYES: Burdo, Schlesinger, Walker, Vice Mayor Kullaway, Mayor Burke 6 2.4. Receive an Update on the Building Permit Process Public Works Director Condry and Building Official Freeman presented the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding valuations; hardship for undergrounding; if Resale Inspections are necessary; if a third-party could perform a comparison of other jurisdictions; an E-Tracking system/module; Best Practices; staffing structures; if too much data is being collected; how much work is being contracted; if the load of work is seasonal; average turn-around time for different permits; goals for speeding up turnaround times; delays on the part of the applicant; customer service agreements and accountability; turnaround expectations.
Mayor Kullaway opened the meeting to public comments.
A resident had a question about the number of permits that were lacking in detail or considered incomplete. This is a burden for staff that should be addressed. She asked about any new Fire Codes that would need to be addressed.
Mr. Todd Greenberg discussed the unanticipated costs for seniors who are “house rich and cash poor”. Undergrounding is a great idea.
Mr. Romeo Arreneta, CEO of the Marin Association of Realtors, thanked staff for using “Track It”. He supported the solutions contained in the staff report.
Glen stated the problem usually has to do with the applicant and not the Building Department.
The process requires the use of professionals- this brings the efficiency.
Mayor Kullaway closed the meeting to public comments.
Mayor Kullaway wanted to talk about Resale Inspections in the future. She was in favor of showing permit times for applicants who hire professional vs. applicants who do not hire professionals. She hears complaints about “moving goal posts”.
Councilmember Burdo would like to see what other jurisdictions are doing in terms of Resale Inspections, etc.
Councilmember Walker stated she would like staff to come up with five things they are going to look into and come up with a one-year plan.
Councilmember Burke discussed the reasons why people do not want to underground.
Complaints are inevitable- it is a person’s biggest asset, there is a building season, they are spending a lot of money, etc. She would like to implement the items that will get them the “most bang for the buck”.
Councilmember Schlesinger stated his primary question will be- how do they know what is working and what is not? He would like to see accountability and transparency and not just “let’s see what happens”.
Councilmember Burdo stated perhaps the Town needs to advertise the importance of hiring professionals. He liked the idea of a “Permit Process Open House”.
Public Hearing
3.1 Public Hearing to Consider Ordinance Amendments to Title 10 “Planning and Zoning”, Chapter 6 “Accessory Dwelling Units”; and associated CEQA Exemption Finding 7 M/s, Burdo/Walker , Motion to continue this item.
AYES: Burke, Schlesinger, Walker, Vice Mayor Burdo, Mayor Kullaway M/s, Burdo/Walker, Motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:22 p.m.
AYES: Burke, Schlesinger, Walker, Vice Mayor Burdo, Mayor Kullaway Respectfully submitted,
Toni DeFrancis,
Recording Secretary