1 San Anselmo Approved Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Town Council Chambers and via Zoom
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Interviews for the Board of Review and the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee- 6:10 p.m.
The Council interviewed Bonnie Barnish for the Board of Review and Sandra Becker, Walter Meservey, Bridget Clark, and Nick Pappas for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
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, Community Development Director
Sean Condry, Public Works Director
Jeff Zuba, Finance Director
Maddie O’Grady, Community Services Director
Open Time for Public Expression
Mr. Ross Asselstine recognized Jeff Kroot and Roseanne dalBello for their service to San Anselmo.
Ms. Roseanne dalBello stated she signed a proposal for the preparation of an arborist report regarding the Redwood trees in Creek Park.
Mr. Guy Meyer, San Anselmo, spoke about government overreach, the Town of Ross’ appeal of its Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) numbers, and, in general, democracy.
Mr. Warren Gardner stated the new downtown parking program does not fit within the brand of San Anselmo.
Mr. Nicolas Riley, Ash Avenue, talked about parking problems in his neighborhood including commercial vans parking overnight.
Ms. Kayae Bosey stated she is deeply disturbed by the new parking protocols.
Community Services Director O’Grady introduced Jamie Bristow and Mimi Fee. Community Development Director Scoble introduced Eric Robbe. Three new staff members.
Council requests for future agenda items; Committee liaison reports; questions and comments to staff; miscellaneous items
2 Vice Mayor Burdo reported he attended the Ross Valley Fire Board meeting; the Sidewalk CPR Demonstration is scheduled for August 19th outside of Station 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; talked about parking problems and enforcement.
Councilmember Burke reported she attended Live on the Avenue; the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meeting; is working on organizing the Greenfield Avenue neighborhood into a Fire Wise Neighborhood; attended the Marin Wildfire Prevention Agency (MWPA) Fire Wise leadership meeting.
Councilmember Walker reported she attended the Annual Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) meeting; the Ross Valley Fire Board meeting; a Freedom Day Celebration in Marin City; Live on the Avenue.
Councilmember Schlesinger reported that today is mid-summer where it is totally celebrated in Sweden; he attended the Economic Development Committee meeting; a Chamber of Commerce meeting; gave his perspective on the parking issue and said “nothing is written in stone”.
Mayor Kullaway reported she attended the Windsor SMART Train opening; there is a Birthday Party on Friday at the Log Cabin for anyone 90 years of age or older (party on!); Live on the Avenue; would like to agendize a presentation from Marin Public Housing about Isabel Cook.
The Council agreed to this request.
Special Presentations
There were no Special Presentations.
1. Consent Agenda
1.1 Approve the Draft Minutes of the Regular Town Council Meeting- June 10, 2025
1.2 Receive and File Financial Report on Recreation Fund ending May 31, 2025 1 .3 Receive and File Revenue and Expenditure Reports, May 2025
1.4 Approval of Resolution No. 2025-4588 Revising a Statement of Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
1.5 Receive Final Progress Report for Fiscal Year 2023-25 Work Plan Priorities
1.6 Adopt Resolution No. 2025-4589 Approving the 2025-2026 Budget and Workplan M/s, Burdo/Walker, Motion to approve the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Burke, Schlesinger, Walker, Vice Mayor Burdo, Mayor Kullaway Council Business Items
2.1 Discussion and Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding Proposal with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU 1021- Si se puede!) for the period of July 1, 2025, to June 3, 2028
Finance Director Zuba presented the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation. There were no questions from the Council.
3 Mayor Kullaway opened the meeting to public comments
Mr. Kurt Reis, representing the SEIU 1021 Bargaining Unit, reported the union members have unanimously ratified the agreement.
Mayor Kullaway closed the meeting to public comments.
Vice Mayor Burdo stated this is an equitable contract for Town employees.
Councilmember Walker stated the negotiations took some time and they came up with a compromise.
Councilmember Burke noted the process was not antagonistic and was transparent, open, and fair.
Councilmember Schlesinger stated he was proud that they were able to arrive at this kind of agreement.
Mayor Kullaway thanked everyone involved in the negotiations.
2.2. Receive and File an Update on San Anselmo Flood Risk Reduction Project Public Works Director Condry presented the staff report. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding the timing of the Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) application submittal; if there is a deadline for submittal; the Town’s role in the process; the permit and appeal process; the project area and boundaries; if legal notices have gone out to the downstream property owners; what the Town is reviewing with respect to the project; if a 2-D model is being used by the Town; if staff has reviewed the 1-D and 2-D modeling; if staff believes the 2-D modeling is more “state of the art”; if the Town notifies the impacted property owners about possible impacts; if it is the role of Town staff to confirm that the proposed mitigations are acceptable; the role of the homeowner in terms of contesting the findings; Exhibit E of the CLOMR application; when the CLOMR application becomes public; when the agenda item regarding the Redwoods in Creek Park will be coming to the Council; the Town’s liability with respect to property damage due to the project; the impact of failure to sign the community concurrence; who would sign off on the community concurrence; if FEMA would take into account the signing or non-signing when processing the application; would it make sense to have a general community meeting to gain community concurrence on the project; is there an avenue through the Town if someone disagrees with the proposed mitigations; if the current agreement with the County indemnifies the Town.
Mayor Kullaway opened the meeting to public comments.
Carol asked the Council to read the information she sent from the district staff- it would answer many of the questions posed by the Council. She discussed CLOMR and LOMR mitigation requirements and impacts to homeowners. She asserted that homeowners were unaware of what is going on.
Mr. Ross Asselstine stated there was some incorrect information being disseminated tonight.
He discussed the MT-2 process, the notification requirements, mitigation of impacts, and noted it seemed backwards. The Town Manager does not have the authority to sign off on something of this magnitude. The Town should put out a Request for Proposal (RFP) to repair BB2.
Ms. Karen Mendalow spoke in favor of the San Anselmo Flood Risk Reduction Program for flood mitigation with the removal of BB2.
4 Ms. Ann Politzer stated the Town has been told a fiction by the County. She agreed with the comments made by Carol. She discussed the history of the project and the CLOMR and LOMR process.
Mr. Guy Meyer stated there were many questions that remain unanswered. The demolition of BB2 would be very disruptive to the Town- it could be repaired.
Mr. Jeff Kroot was concerned about the liability to the Town. The project would be a disaster.
BB2 is enjoyed by residents and removing it would not reduce flooding. It is a safe structure.
Mr. Charles Goodman, Ross, agreed with the comments made by Carol, Mr. Asselstine, and Mr.
Kroot. He urged the Town of San Anselmo to meet with the Town of Ross and jointly talk to the County. He was concerned about downstream flooding.
Mr. Ford Greene stated the only remedy for a homeowner who is dissatisfied with proposed mitigations is to say “No”. The Town is not indemnified for the SAFRR Project and could be left “holding the bag”. The Town should stop kowtowing to the County.
Mr. Paul Chignell agreed with the comments made by Carol, Mr. Goodman, Mr. Kroot, and Mr.
Greene. He urged the Council to listen to the residents.
Mr. Gabe Paulson, Chair of the Flood Zone Advisory Board, discussed the role and composition of the Board. He discussed recent activities of the Board.
Mayor Kullaway closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Burke stated that this issue is complex and controversial. Impacted residents should be fully notified of the proposed impacts and mitigations before staff signs off on this.
She was concerned about the three-foot discrepancy.
Councilmember Walker was glad to see the information about what the public process was going to look like. None of the next steps taken will be perfect and it sounds like there will be liability on either side.
Vice Mayor Burdo agreed with Councilmember Burke- they need to take a strong look at this.
The information has changed so many times over a short period of time. He looks forward to hearing from the County and being able to ask questions.
Councilmember Schlesinger stated it is challenging that the timelines do not line up. He hoped that they can fend off the County’s request for the timeline for review.
Mayor Kullaway stated everybody loves the plaza. If they do sign this they will get stuck with an ugly plaza and if they do not sign this and get appealed they are stuck with an ugly plaza. She looks forward to talking to the County.
Mayor Kullaway stated she would need to recuse herself from item #2.4 and asked that it be placed at the end of the agenda.
Councilmember Burke suggested hearing item #2.6 as the next item.
M/s, Walker/Burke, Motion to move item #2.4 to the end of the agenda and hear item #2.6 next on the agenda.
5 M/s, Walker/Burke, Motion to move Public Hearing item #2.4 to the end of the agenda and hear item #2.6 next on the agenda.
AYES: Burke, Schlesinger, Walker, Vice Mayor Burdo, Mayor Kullaway
2.6 Consider Making Appointments to the Board of Review and Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Town Clerk Avila presented the staff report. 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, Burke/Burdo, Motion to appoint Bonnie Barnish to the Board of Review and Sandra Becker, Walter Meservey, Bridget Clark, and Nick Pappas to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
AYES: Burke, Schlesinger, Walker, Vice Mayor Burdo, Mayor Kullaway Public Hearing
2.3 Public Hearing for Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Adding Chapter 2 to Title 19 of the San Anselmo Municipal Code (SAMC) to prohibit individuals under 16 years of age from operating a Class 2 e-bike as defined by the California Vehicle Code Section 312.5 and requiring any person operating a Class 2 e-bike in the Town of San Anselmo to wear a helmet
Town Manager Donery presented the staff report. 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, Walker/Burdo, Motion to Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-1192 Adding Chapter 2 to Title 19 of the San Anselmo Municipal Code (SAMC) to prohibit individuals under 16 years of age from operating a Class 2 e-bike as defined by the California Vehicle Code Section 312.5 and requiring any person operating a Class 2 e-bike in the Town of San Anselmo to wear a helmet.
AYES: Burke, Schlesinger, Walker, Vice Mayor Burdo, Mayor Kullaway Council Business Items
2.5 Authorize a Professional Services Agreement with Lotus Consulting for a Capital Campaign Feasibility Study and Plan
Town Manager Donery presented the staff report. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding whether staff sent out a Request for Proposal (RFP); if there were opportunities for others to offer their services; if something larger would require an RFP; if Councilmembers could comment on the case statement.
Mayor Kullaway opened the meeting to public comments.
6 There were no comments.
Mayor Kullaway closed the meeting to public comments.
Mayor Kullaway stated she would be happy to assist with this component of the project.
Councilmember Burke noted all Councilmembers could assist in fundraising. This Capital Campaign for park renovations is the next large project over the next few years.
Mayor Kullaway stated she would like to see consideration of a Maintenance Fund.
Vice Mayor Burdo supported the agreement and was excited to take this important first step.
Councilmember Schlesinger stated this is more a “donor cultivation” exercise than a feasibility study.
M/s, Walker/Burdo, Motion to Authorize a Professional Services Agreement with Lotus Consulting for a Capital Campaign Feasibility Study and Plan AYES: Burke, Schlesinger, Walker, Vice Mayor Burdo, Mayor Kullaway Mayor Kullaway left the Council Chambers.
At 9:02 PM the Council took a 5-minute break.
At 9:08 PM the Council reconvened in the Council Chambers.
2.4 Approve Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Donation Agreement for the Sequoia Park Safe Routes to Schools Project Areas #1 and #3: authorize the Town Manager to Negotiate and Execute an Agreement with Parametrix for the Design of Project Areas #1 and #3; and find these actions exempt from CEQA
Public Works Director Condry presented the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding whether a change to another intersection is planned; the process for granting a right-of-way easement.
Acting Mayor Burdo opened the meeting to public comments.
Mr. Michael Cameron, Sequoia Drive, stated the line-of-sight on this street if very poor and people ignore the yield sign. He liked the idea of the continuity of sidewalks. He supported the project.
Acting Mayor Burdo closed the meeting to public comments.
Councilmember Burke thanked the anonymous donor.
Councilmember Schlesinger stated he loved the public/private partnership.
M/s, Walker/Schlesinger, Motion to Approve Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Donation Agreement for the Sequoia Park Safe Routes to Schools Project Areas #1 and #3, authorize the Town Manager to Negotiate and Execute an Agreement with Parametrix for the Design of Project Areas #1and #3, and find these actions exempt from CEQA AYES: Burke, Schlesinger, Walker, Acting Mayor Burdo
RECUSED: Mayor Kullaway
7 M/s, Burdo/Burke, Motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:18 p.m.
AYES: Burke, Schlesinger, Walker, Acting Mayor Burdo
ABSENT: Mayor Kullaway
Respectfully submitted,
Toni DeFrancis,
Recording Secretary