1 San Anselmo Approved Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
Town Council Chambers and via Zoom
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Call to Order: Optional Pledge of Allegiance
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Burdo (Mayor)
Chantel Walker (Vice Mayor)
Eileen Burke
Tarrell Kullaway
Yoav Schlesinger
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Dave Donery, Town Manager
Megan Acevedo, Town Attorney
Serge Avila, Town Clerk
Mattie O’Grady, Community Services Director
Hamid Khalili, CMPA Captain
Kelly Warner, Community Engagement Coordinator
Open Time for Public Expression
Mr. Ross Asselstine stated he would like the Town to form a Citizens’ Tree Committee. He asked the County Board of Supervisors to discuss Flood Zone 9. He discussed recent tidal action that could have had dire consequences.
Council requests for future agenda items; Committee liaison reports; questions and comments to staff; miscellaneous items
Councilmember Burke reported the Town of Ross is talking about potentially rebuilding their Fire Station; she will be announcing the Archie Williams Girls’ Varsity Basketball home games (Go Falcons!).
Councilmember Kullaway reported she was honored to light the Menorah; she will be participating in workshops hosted by the Climate Action Team of Marin County.
Councilmember Schlesinger reported he attended the Winter Walk; the Menorah Lighting; the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) Board meeting; the Central Marin Police Authority (CMPA) Board meeting.
Vice Mayor Walker stated she attended the North Bay Cal Cities League of California Cities meeting; today’s housing roundtable hosted by the League of Cities; the Climate Action Committee meeting; the Menorah Lighting.
Mayor Burdo reported he attended the Menorah Lighting; the Ross Town Council meeting; gave a “Shout Out” to the Public Works Department staff for a recent assessment about some trees that are on the creek on Beverly Way; today is National Rubber Ducky Day! 2 Special Presentation
There were no Special Presentations.
1. Consent Agenda
1.1 Approved the Draft Minutes of the Regular Town Council Meeting of December 9, 2025
1.2 Approved Resolution No. 2026-4607 Repealing and Replacing Resolution 2024-4559 and Establishing the Corrected 2024/25 Appropriations Limit
1.3 Received and Filed Report of Checks Issued, December 2025
1.4 Approved the Town Council Meeting Calendar for 2026, Canceling the July 14, August 11, November 24, and December 22, 2026 Meetings
1.5 Approved Resolution No. 2026-4606 to Accept Funding for the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Project at Sir Francs Drake Boulevard and Madrone Avenue M/s, Burke/Kullaway, Motion to approve Consent Calendar items #1.1 through #1.5.
AYES: Burke, Kullaway, Schlesinger, Vice Mayor Walker, Mayor Burdo Council Business Items
2.1 Review and Approve the Special Event Application- Live on the Avenue 2026 Director O‘Grady and CMPA Captain Kahlili presented the staff report and gave a PowerPoint presentation. Staff answered questions from the Council regarding the purpose of mobile barriers; the closing of Tunstead Avenue; what time the two-hour street closure would begin; the number of cars towed last year; how much it would cost to put a “boot” on a car; if vehicle owners have to be notified that his or her car is being towed; if it would be more efficient to eliminate the phone notification before a tow is done; enforcement for pedestrians using the street; if the event could go later such as 10:00 p.m.; what the $116,000 staff time represents; if the staff time would increase if there were more nights; if mobile barriers would be placed only in the street; the use of natural barriers.
Mayor Burdo opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Greg Larriman loves the event and supported the road closure.
Ms. Barbara Nazari, business owner, would like the street opened later- 4:00 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. is too early. She asked for help with the parking in the neighborhoods.
Elizabeth supports Option B. The event has an overwhelmingly positive impact to the community. She was not in favor of starting later.
Ms. Megan Tuggle supports Option B. Kudos to the Recreation Department for its great work and creativity.
Steven loves the event- it represents the values that are often talked about. He is impressed with the budget- this event is a great deal!
Daniel supports Option B and this cool event.
3 Ms. Laura Allen stated Option A would be tough for kids and could create a safety issue. A car that is parked longer than two hours should be towed.
Kyle stated this event is awesome and he loves the volunteer opportunities for the youth. He supports Option B.
Mohammad is from Sacramento and stated San Anselmo is beautiful. He suggested the Town organize a Community Photographic Contest.
Alex stated she wants her kids to be more “free range” and the event is perfect for them. There should be consistency between what is done on Friday and Saturday.
Mr. Jeff Grenkie supports Option B and the idea of a Photo Contest. The event builds friendships and helps the businesses.
Mr. Pat Townsley was concerned about public safety and stated something can go wrong. He suggested parking Public Works trucks on both ends of the street.
Adam, a new business owner, supports Option B.
Mr. Kat Alexander, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, thanked the Council for continuing this discussion. The Commission received comments in support of continuing the event as it currently operates.
Stefan, one of the producers of the event, supports Option B.
Ms. Ryan LaFrenz, member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, strongly supported continuing the event in its current format and Option B.
Mayor Burdo closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Burke supports Option B. In the future she would like to consider holding the event at a different location, such as Memorial Park, on one of the nights. Three cars being towed is not much. She liked the idea of parking trucks at the end of the street instead of using the mobile barriers which are expensive. She supported better parking enforcement on the side streets and the budget. She could go either way on the idea of a parade.
Councilmember Kullaway stated she liked the Photo Contest idea, Option B, the budget, the idea of trucks used as barriers, and was ambivalent about a parade. She recommended paying the musicians more.
Vice Mayor Walker supported Option B and would leave the idea of a parade to staff. She would like to have a 3-Year Plan.
Councilmember Schlesinger stated he would like to keep the event exactly as it is. He supports the 4:30 p.m. closure.
Mayor Burdo stated Option B was the right choice. He discussed some of the ideas for improving traffic/parking on the arterial roads.
M/s, Walker/Burke Motion to accept the Parks and Recreation Commission and staff’s recommendation around Option B, Continuation of current framework. Fridays and Saturdays from June 20, 2026 through September 12, 2026. Full street closure and Music at Town Hall and Creek Park. Full programming on the Avenue. Street Closures Fridays 4 and Saturdays 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm, music sets 6 to 8:30 pm. Vendors and activities on the Avenue are allowed only once cars are cleared.
AYES: Burke, Kullaway, Schlesinger, Vice Mayor Walker, Mayor Burdo M/s, Burke/Walker, Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 p.m.
AYES: Burke, Kullaway Schlesinger, Vice Mayor Walker, Mayor Burdo Respectfully submitted,
Toni DeFrancis,
Recording Secretary