MINUTES
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL - MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING AT 4:30 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING AT 6:00 P.M.
This meeting will be held in-person. This meeting is being streamed to YouTube at www.youtube.com/cityofsanrafael.
How to participate in the meeting:
• You are welcome to come to the meeting and provide public comment in person. Each speaker will have 2-minutes to provide public comment per agenda item. • Submit your comments by email to [email protected] by 4:00 p.m. the day of the meeting.
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SPECIAL MEETING AT 4:30 P.M.
San Rafael Third Floor Conference Room
1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
Watch Online:
Watch on Zoom Webinar: https://tinyurl.com/SPCC-04-07-2025 Listen by phone: (669) 444-9171
ID: 851-7304-1226#
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Present: Councilmember Hill
Councilmember Kertz
Councilmember Llorens Gulati
Mayor Kate
Absent: Vice Mayor Bushey
Also Present: City Manager Cristine Alilovich
City Clerk Lindsay Lara
Mayor Kate called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. All members of the City Council were present, except for Vice Mayor Bushey.
Mayor Kate invited public comment; however, there was none.
1. Voter Approved Tax Oversight Committee Interviews
Interview Applicants and Make Appointments to Fill Two Four-Year Terms to the End of April 2029 on the Voter Approved Tax Oversight Committee Due to Expiration of Terms of Caleb McWaters and Carsten Anderson (CC)
The City Council interviewed the following applicants: Jon Haveman, Ben Fowler, Caleb McWaters and Masoud Nilforoush.
2 After discussion, Councilmember Kertz moved and Councilmember Llorens Gulati seconded to reappoint Caleb McWaters and to appoint Jon Haveman to the Voter Approved Tax Oversight Committee to the end of April 2029.
AYES: Councilmembers: Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Bushey
Mayor Kate adjourned to Closed Session at 5:06 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING AT 6:00 P.M.
San Rafael City Hall, Council Chambers
1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
Watch Online:
Watch on Zoom Webinar: https://tinyurl.com/CC-2025-04-07 Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/cityofsanrafael
Listen by phone: (669)444-9171
ID: 863 4489 1398
One Tap Mobile: +16694449171,,86344891398# US
OPEN SESSION – THIRD FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM – FOLLOWING SPECIAL MEETING
1. Mayor Kate announced Closed Session items.
CLOSED SESSION – THIRD FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM – FOLLOWING SPECIAL MEETING
2. Closed Session:
a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Parks and Public Trust, et al. v. City of San Rafael, Marin County Superior Court Case No.
CV0005542
Mark Allen v. City of San Rafael, Marin County Superior Court Case No. CV0005691 b. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 350 Merrydale Road / 3833 Redwood Highway, San Rafael APNs 179-041-27 & 179-041-28
Agency negotiator: Cristine Alilovich, City Manager; John Stefanski, Assistant City Manager; Daniel Cooperman, Community Services Division Director
Negotiating parties: Ridgewood Properties, a California General Partnership, as to an undivided ½ interest; and Francine M. Clayton, Trustee of The Francine M. Clayton 1996 Trust, as to an undivided ½ interest
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
Present: Councilmember Hill
Councilmember Kertz
Councilmember Llorens Gulati
Mayor Kate
Absent: Vice Mayor Bushey
Also Present: City Manager Cristine Alilovich
3 City Attorney Robert Epstein
City Clerk Lindsay Lara
Mayor Kate called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. and invited City Clerk Lindsay Lara to call the roll. All members of the City Council were present, except for Vice Mayor Bushey.
City Attorney Robert Epstein announced that no reportable action was taken in Closed Session.
Mayor Kate provided opening remarks which included gratitude to City Staff, Federal Administration implications, and a land acknowledgment.
City Clerk Lindsay Lara informed the community that the in-person meeting would also be recorded and streamed live to YouTube and through Zoom. She noted the two-minute timer for public comment and closed captioning on Zoom.
CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
(including AB 1234 Reports on Meetings and Conferences Attended at City Expense)
3. City Manager and Councilmember Reports:
City Manager Cristine Alilovich reported on:
• Police Department’s assistance at a peaceful protest at the Civic Center • San Rafael letters opposing AB306 and SB79
• Immigration Know Your Rights red cards, which would be available in Spanish & English at San Rafael Community Centers
• Behavioral Health and Recovery Systems Survey, would be open through June 1 • Earth Month events:
o Neighborhood Cleanup on April 19th at Pickleweed Park at 9 a.m. o Clean and Green Day on April 22nd in Downtown from 10-12 p.m. • 2
nd Friday Art Walk at 5 p.m.
• Sea Level Rise and Climate Action Forum on April 24th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at BioMarin • Canal Alliance Community Fair on May 3
rd from 12-4 p.m. at 711 Grand Avenue
• May Madness events: Cruise on May 9th at 6 p.m. and Car Show and Parade on May 10th from 12-6 p.m.
City Councilmember Reports:
• Councilmember Kertz reported on the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce’s new group for businesses in North San Rafael, Homeless Policy Steering Committee, reading to students at San Pedro Elementary School, Priority Setting Meetings, Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority Board Meeting, Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers Legislative Committee, subcommittee for a weather shelter, California Wildfire and Forest Resiliency Task Force, City/Schools County meeting, and Cal Cities Policy Committee.
• Councilmember Hill reported on reading to students at Laurel Dell and Coleman Elementary schools, West End Neighborhood Association meeting, and Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers meeting.
• Councilmember Llorens Gulati reported on Marin Clean Energy, Marin Promise’s Canal Promise Neighborhood Steering Committee, Marin County Sea Level Rise Steering Committee, Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers, Cal Cities Policy Committee, parking permit program, and Marin Transit.
• Mayor Kate reported on San Rafael Sanitation District, Marin Transit, Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit, Transportation Authority of Marin, Pet Emergency Center ribbon 4 cutting, and Villa Marin’s 40th Anniversary.
Mayor Kate invited public comment.
Speaker: Name withheld
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor Kate invited public comment.
Speaker: John Reynolds
Councilmember Llorens Gulati moved and Councilmember Kertz seconded to approve the Consent Calendar.
4. Consent Calendar Items:
a. Approval of Minutes
Approve Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of March 3, 2025 and Regular City Council Meeting of March 17, 2025 (CC)
Approved minutes as submitted
b. Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District Advisory Board Appointments Resolution Appointing Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board Members (CED)
Resolution 15386 - Resolution Appointing Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board Members
c. Public Service Award 2025
Resolution of Appreciation to Recipient of the Richard P. O’Brien and Mary Ferrario O’Brien Public Service Award for 2025 (CM)
Resolution 15387 - Resolution of Appreciation to Recipient of the Richard P. O’Brien and Mary Ferrario O’Brien Public Service Award for 2025
d. Public Service Award Selection Committee Criteria
Report on the Public Service Award Selection Committee and Update on Changes to the Selection Guidelines & Criteria (CM)
Received and filed
e. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Housing Consulting Services Agreement Amendment
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Amend the Professional Services Agreement with Liz Darby for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Housing Consulting Services, to Increase the Contract Amount by $50,000, for a Total Not to Exceed $125,000 (CM) Resolution 15388 - Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Amend the Professional Services Agreement with Liz Darby for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Housing Consulting Services, to Increase the Contract Amount by $50,000, for a Total Not to Exceed $125,000 f. Proclamations
Proclamations Supporting Celebrate Diversity Month, National Arab American Heritage Month, National Library Week and Week of the Young Child Received and filed
5 g. Second Amendment to the Workers’ Compensation Claims Administration Professional Services Agreement
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with LWP Claims Solutions, Inc, for Workers’ Compensation Claims Administration Services Increasing the Total Not to Exceed Amount Under the Agreement to $1,745,311, Subject to Appropriation, and Extending the Term Date June 30, 2026 (HR)
Resolution 15389 - Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with LWP Claims Solutions, Inc, for Workers’ Compensation Claims Administration Services Increasing the Total Not to Exceed Amount Under the Agreement to $1,745,311, Subject to Appropriation, and Extending the Term Date June 30, 2026
h. San Rafael Public Library Book Purchase
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a First Amendment to the Purchase Order with Baker & Taylor (Exempt from Bidding) to Increase the Purchase Amount of $123,000 (LR)
Resolution 15390 - Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a First Amendment to the Purchase Order with Baker & Taylor (Exempt from Bidding) to Increase the Purchase Amount of $123,000
i. Special Event Street Closures in San Rafael
Resolution Authorizing the Temporary Closure of Streets in San Rafael for Special Events (PD)
Resolution 15391 - Resolution Authorizing the Temporary Closure of Streets in San Rafael for Special Events
j. Downtown Library Renovation Project
Resolutions (PW/LR)
i. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Noll & Tam Architects for Additional Construction Administration Services Associated with the Downtown Library Modernization Project, in the Additional Amount Not to Exceed $47,640, Increasing the Total Not to Exceed Amount Under the Agreement to $439,371, and Extend the Contract by Three Months
Resolution 15392 - Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Noll & Tam Architects for Additional Construction Administration Services Associated with the Downtown Library Modernization Project, in the Additional Amount Not to Exceed $47,640, Increasing the Total Not to Exceed Amount Under the Agreement to $439,371, and Extend the Contract by Three Months ii. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Second Amendment to the Construction Contract with Unger Construction, Co. in an Additional Amount of $100,000, for a Total of $2,200,000 for the Project, Appropriating $100,000 from Available Library Special Assessment Fund Balance (Fund 215) and Authorizing the Public Works Director to Take Related Action
Resolution 15393 - Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Second Amendment to the Construction Contract with Unger Construction, Co. in an Additional Amount of $100,000, for a Total of $2,200,000 for the Project, Appropriating $100,000 from Available Library Special Assessment Fund Balance (Fund 215) and Authorizing the Public Works Director to Take Related Action
6 k. San Rafael Canal Crossing Project Funding Agreement Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Program Supplement Agreement with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for $1,575,000 in Active Transportation Program (ATP) Funds for a Feasibility Study of the San Rafael Canal Crossing Project. CEQA Determination: Exempt Pursuant to Guideline Section 15378(b)(5) (PW)
Resolution 15394 - Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Program Supplement Agreement with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for $1,575,000 in Active Transportation Program (ATP) Funds for a Feasibility Study of the San Rafael Canal Crossing Project. CEQA Determination: Exempt Pursuant to Guideline Section 15378(b)(5) l. Pickleweed Childcare Replacement Portables Project
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Loving Campos Associates, Architects, Inc. for Additional Architectural and Structural Engineering Design Services Associated with the Pickleweed Childcare Replacement Portables Project, in the Amount Not to Exceed $33,700, for a Revised Total Agreement Amount of $100,200 (PW) Resolution 15395 - Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Loving Campos Associates, Architects, Inc. for Additional Architectural and Structural Engineering Design Services Associated with the Pickleweed Childcare Replacement Portables Project, in the Amount Not to Exceed $33,700, for a Revised Total Agreement Amount of $100,200
m. South Merrydale Road – Civic Center Connector (Rafael Meadows) Project Grant Funding Agreements
Resolutions (PW):
i. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Funding Agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the South Merrydale Road – Civic Center Connector (Rafael Meadows) Project, in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,940,000 Resolution 15396 - Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Funding Agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the South Merrydale Road – Civic Center Connector (Rafael Meadows) Project, in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,940,000 ii. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Funding Agreement with the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) for the South Merrydale Road – Civic Center Connector (Rafael Meadows) Project, in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,940,000
Resolution 15397 - Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Funding Agreement with the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) for the South Merrydale Road – Civic Center Connector (Rafael Meadows) Project, in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,940,000
AYES: Councilmembers: Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Bushey
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
5. Special Presentations:
Mayor Kate invited public comment; however, there was none. 7 a. Presentation of Resolution of Appreciation to Public Service Award Recipient (CC) Mayor Kate presented the Proclamation to John Chung, Public Service Award Recipient for 2025 and John Chung provided comments.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. Public Hearings
a. Major Environmental and Design Review Permit and an Exception to Specified Hillside Development Standards for 287 Mountain View Avenue
Resolution to Approve a Major Environmental and Design Review (ED24-001) and Exception (EX24-003) to Specified Hillside Development Standards for a New SingleFamily Residence on a Hillside Lot with a Reduced Front Yard Setback, a Decreased Setback from the Garage, and a Reduction of One Required Off-Street Guest Parking Space at 287 Mountain View Avenue; APN 015-073-10; CEQA Determination: Exempt Pursuant To CEQA Guidelines 15061(B)(3) And 15303 (CED)
Planning Manager Margaret Kavanaugh-Lynch introduced Senior Planner Renee Nickenig who presented the Staff Report.
Staff recommended a modification to Condition No. 16 of the Resolution be modified as follows: “A minor temporary encroachment permit is required from the Department of Public Works prior to conducting any work within or any time the Public Right-of-Way (ROW) is restricted. This includes placing debris boxes, material delivery/storage, and or contractor vehicle parking that limits emergency vehicle access within the ROW. The submitted information for the encroachment permit shall include the construction management details on the proposed location and duration of debris boxes, material delivery/storage, and contractor vehicle parking. Encroachment permits can be applied for online on the city of San Rafael website: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/encroachmentpermits/” Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited the applicant to provide comments.
Mayor Kate invited public comment.
Speaker: Matt Bennett
Staff responded to questions.
City Council provided comments.
Councilmember Hill moved and Councilmember Kertz seconded to adopt the Resolution to Approve a Major Environmental and Design Review (ED24-001) and Exception (EX24-003) to Specified Hillside Development Standards for a New Single-Family Residence on a Hillside Lot with a Reduced Front Yard Setback, a Decreased Setback from the Garage, and a Reduction of One Required Off-Street Guest Parking Space at 287 Mountain View Avenue; APN 015-073-10 with modifications as presented by staff. 8 AYES: Councilmembers: Kertz, Hill, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Bushey
Resolution 15398 (AS AMENDED) - Resolution to Approve a Major Environmental and Design Review (ED24-001) and Exception (EX24-003) to Specified Hillside Development Standards for a New Single-Family Residence on a Hillside Lot with a Reduced Front Yard Setback, a Decreased Setback from the Garage, and a Reduction of One Required Off-Street Guest Parking Space at 287 Mountain View Avenue; APN 015-073-10; CEQA Determination: Exempt Pursuant To CEQA Guidelines 15061(B)(3) And 15303 (CED)
b. Evaluation of Existing Camping Regulations, Sanctioned Camping Area Informational Update, and Chapter 19.50 of the San Rafael Municipal Code, Camping on Public Property Existing Camping Regulation Evaluation, Sanctioned Camping Area Update, and Introduction of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Rafael Amending Chapter 19.50 to the San Rafael Municipal Code, Entitled “Camping on Public Property” to Prohibit Camping in Parks (CM) CEQA Determination: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(B)(3), 15307 and 15308
City Manager Cristine Alilovich, Assistant City Manager John Stefanski and Daniel Cooperman presented the Staff Report.
Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited public comment.
Speakers: John Bischoff, Mark Shotwell, Ritter Center CEO, Jason Sarris, Lived Experience Advisory Board, John Reynolds, Sara McEvoy, Name withheld, Name withheld, Jane Hivin, Bob Mittelstaedt, Gabrielle Wain, Lauren, Molly Blauvelt, and Daniel Bacon City Council provided comments.
Councilmember Hill moved and Councilmember Llorens Gulati seconded to introduce the Ordinance, waive further reading of the Ordinance, and refer to it by title only.
AYES: Councilmembers: Hill, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: Kertz
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Bushey
The City Clerk read the title of the Ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AMENDING CHAPTER 19.50 TO THE SAN RAFAEL MUNICIPAL CODE, ENTITLED “CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY” TO PROHIBIT CAMPING IN PARKS
Introduced the Ordinance, waived further reading of the Ordinance, and referred to it by title only
OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
• Name withheld addressed the City Council regarding spreading empathy.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Kate adjourned the meeting at 8:18 pm.
9 __________________________
LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS _____DAY OF____________, 2025
_____________________________________
KATE COLIN, Mayor