AGENDA
Any records relating to an agenda item, received by a majority or more of the Council less than 72 hours before the meeting, shall be available for inspection online and at City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue, and placed with other agendarelated materials on the table in front of the Council Chamber prior to the meeting. Sign Language interpreters may be requested by calling (415) 485-3066 (voice), emailing [email protected] or using the California Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing “711”, at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Copies of documents are available in accessible formats upon request. To request Spanish language interpretation, please submit an online form at https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/request-for-interpretation/.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025 AT 4:00 P.M.
In-Person:
Third Floor Conference Room
1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
Watch on Webinar
Watch Online: https://tinyurl.com/ccsp-2025-05-05
Listen by phone: (669) 444-9171
ID: 843-5455-5536
One Tap Mobile: +16694449171,,84354555536# US
Members of the public may speak on Agenda Items.
STUDY SESSION
a. City Council Goals and Objectives
The City Council will conduct a goals and objectives workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to build alignment around the City Council’s vision for the next three-year goals and objectives plan period. The City Council will review and discuss draft goals and objectives which will inform the City’s budget development process and provide a roadmap for organizational success.
ADJOURNMENT:
Draft Fiscal Year 2025-2028
City Council Goals and Objectives
**Goals are note in ranked/priority order**
Priority Area A - Economic Development and Neighborhood Vitality San Rafael has vibrant neighborhoods and a strong economy Required by
law or Grants
New or
Ongoing
Year of
Plan
Lead Support
A.1 Strengthen the local economy by supporting existing businesses and attracting new enterprises. CED A.1.1 Reduce commercial vacancies through business expansion, attraction, and retention efforts and enhanced customer support via the San Rafael GO Program. No Ongoing 1 CED A.1.2 Explore the creation of new revenue streams to fund economic growth and vitality through partnerships to identify mutually beneficial investments. No New 2 CED CM A.1.3 Drive local economic activity through promotion of destination tourism, enhancing special events, and optimizing city-owned assets by leveraging targeted marketing initiatives.
No Ongoing 1-3 CED CM
A.1.4 Evaluate the Cannabis Program and determine if changes are needed to support a well-regulated, transparent, and sustainable cannabis industry while balancing community concerns and benefits.
No New 2 CED
A.1.5 Assess the existing tourism funding model to determine if alternative models would enhance tourism sector growth for San Rafael. No New 1-2 CED CM A.2 Transform City gateways and public spaces to be more inviting and enhance civic pride. DPW CED, DS, CM A.2.1 Create and implement a gateway beautification program with enhanced signage, landscaping, and public art that reflects the City’s identity and vibrancy. No New 1-2 CED DPW, LR A.2.2 Develop and implement a program for enhancing and maintaining high visibility public spaces that signals thoughtful investment and care for the places people see and use every day.
No New 1-2 DPW CM, CED
A.2.3 Implement a comprehensive, citywide illegal dumping program. No New 1-3 SUS DPW A.3 Enhance neighborhoods to be the most resilient, diverse, and vibrant places to live, work, and visit. CED DPW A.3.1 Deliver placemaking elements through funded public art projects in the Downtown San Rafael Art District. No Ongoing 1-3 CED, LR
DPW
A.3.2 In partnership with the downtown business owners and stakeholders, continue evaluating the development of a community benefit district that would expand services downtown.
No Ongoing 1 CED FIN, CM
A.3.3 Update the special event permit program to streamline the special events process and identity opportunities for partnerships with the City to facilitate more special events. No Ongoing 1 CED PD, LR, CM, FIN A.3.4 Develop a Northgate Specific Plan. No New 1-2 CED A.3.5 Develop an East San Rafael Specific Plan using the City’s inclusive resident engagement philosophy; collaborate with the community and Canal Alliance to ensure alignment with their community vision plan (Nuestro Canal, Nuestro Futuro).
No Ongoing 1-2 CED CM, DS
A.4 Streamline and modernize the City's land use regulatory framework to facilitate development and growth. CED A.4.1 Update the City’s Objective Design Standards. Yes New 1 CED CAO A.4.2 Update the Citywide Zoning Ordinance to align with the General Plan 2040. Yes New 3 CED CAO Draft Fiscal Year 2025-2028
City Council Goals and Objectives
**Goals are note in ranked/priority order**
Priority Area B: Mobility and Infrastructure
Enhance and maintain the City’s infrastructure, streets and facilities through the Capital Improvement Program.
Required
by law or
Grants
New or
ongoing
Year
of
plan
Lead Support
B.1 Develop and maintain an integrated, multi-modal transportation network that serves users effectively and safely. DPW B.1.1 Develop and adopt an updated Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. No Ongoing 1-2 DPW CM B.1.2 Design and construct the Canal Neighborhood Active Transportation Experience project. No Ongoing 1-3+ DPW CM B.1.3 Conduct East San Rafael Canal Crossing feasibility study and pursue partnerships and funding sources for possible construction of the swing bridge. No New 1-3+ DPW CM, CED B1.4 Design and construct Second Street and Fourth Street intersection improvements. No Ongoing 1-3 DPW CM B.1.5 Revise the City’s current residential parking permit program to address neighborhood parking concerns in a cost-neutral and equitable manner. No Ongoing 1-2 CM DPW B.1.6 Execute a comprehensive pavement management program to maintain road quality at a “Fair” Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating across the City’s roadway network. No Ongoing 1-3+ DPW CM B.2 Enhance transportation safety policies and traffic management systems. DPW B.2.1 Develop and adopt a Vision Zero Action Plan, in alignment with the City adopted Marin County Local Roadway Safety Plan. No Ongoing 1-3 DPW CM, PD B.2.2 Launch and evaluate pilot projects for traffic calming measures to improve neighborhood safety. No Ongoing 1-2 DPW CM B.2.3 Implement projects as required due to recent legislation; AB413 (day lighting) and AB43 (speed limits). Yes Ongoing 1-3 DPW CM, Parking
B.2.4 Modernize and upgrade traffic signal systems to enhance capabilities for managing traffic flow per the 2040 General Plan. No Ongoing 1-3+ DPW CM B.3 Implement systems and programs that address deferred maintenance of public assets and infrastructure to improve services to the community. DPW B.3.1 Develop a Citywide Buildings and Facilities Plan to assess, identify and track the condition of City assets, deferred maintenance, and unmet facility needs. No Ongoing 1-3 DPW CM B.3.2 Assess and track the condition of the City’s assets through the asset management program. No Ongoing 1-3+ DPW CM B.3.3 Enhance infrastructure quality through the development of design standards for work within the public right of way. No Ongoing 1-2 DPW CM B.4 Assess and improve stormwater infrastructure and management program. DPW B.4.1 Implement trash capture projects to reduce pollutants in local waterways to meet State mandated trash reduction requirements. Yes Ongoing 1-3+ DPW CM, SUS B.4.2 Develop a comprehensive Citywide Storm Drain Plan to assess, identify and track storm drain system condition, deferred maintenance, and needed system improvements.
The plan will also clarify the City's standards for storm drain infrastructure, develop maintenance schedules, and evaluate sea level rise impacts to the system.
Yes Ongoing 1-3+ DPW CM, SUS
Draft Fiscal Year 2025-2028
City Council Goals and Objectives
**Goals are note in ranked/priority order**
Priority Area C - Sustainability and Resilience
Foster a resilient community through climate adaptation, sustainability, hazard mitigation, and emergency preparedness efforts.
Required
by law or
Grants
New or
ongoing
Year
of
plan
Lead Support
C.1 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from both community and municipal sources. SUS C.1.1 Develop and begin implementing a plan to expand facility electric vehicle charging infrastructure and transition the City’s fleet to zero emission vehicles. Yes New 1-3 SUS DPW C.1.2 Work with transportation partners to implement the Electric Vehicle Acceleration Strategy and reduce community vehicle miles traveled. No Ongoing 2 SUS DPW C.1.3 Expand community composting, revise purchasing policies, and collaborate with Zero Waste Marin and Marin Sanitary Service to implement SB 1383, the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Law.
Yes Ongoing 1 SUS CM
C.1.4 Reduce community building energy use through incentive programs, community education, and engagement tools as outlined in the County Building Electrification Roadmap. No New 2 SUS DS C.2 Strengthen community preparedness and resiliency for earthquakes, wildfires, flooding, and sea level rise through comprehensive hazard mitigation, risk mitigation, and climate adaptation efforts.
SUS/FD
C.2.1 Identify funding for Local Hazard Mitigation Plan projects and begin implementation of the highest priority projects. Yes Ongoing 1-3 FD CM, DPW C.2.2 Continue implementing the Wildfire Action Plan and evaluate the need for revisions including placing an emphasis on zone zero (0-5 feet from homes and structures). Yes Ongoing 1 FD CM C.2.3 Implement existing policy and program commitments in the General Plan 2040, and implement building code policies to support community resiliency, specifically to address the potential hazards listed in Goal C.2.
Yes Ongoing 1 SUS/CE
D/FD
C.2.4 Develop a Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan that complies with SB 272. Yes New 2 SUS C.2.5 Explore governance models and a formal collaborative public-private-philanthropic partnership as a foundation for climate adaptation work. No Ongoing 3 SUS CM C.3 Enhance the community's capacity to prepare for and respond to emergencies and natural disasters. FD C.3.1 Improve citywide readiness and resilience for disasters and evacuations through outreach and training. No Ongoing 1-3 FD CM, DEPTS
C.3.2 Coordinate and support Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Neighborhood Resources Groups (NRG), Firewise, and similar grassroot groups with training, drills, and resources.
No Ongoing 1-3 FD
C.4 Enhance staff capacity to prepare for and respond to emergencies and natural disasters. FD C.4.1 Develop and implement a multi-yeartraining and exercise plan for Disaster Service Workers and Emergency Operations Center staff in collaboration with other agencies in the County.
No New 2-3 FD
C.4.2 Review, update and provide continued training for staff on the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. Yes Ongoing 2-3 FD C.4.3 Develop and train employees on a Continuity of Government Plan. Yes New 1-2 FD C.4.4 Research and invest in technology to support staff’s ability to respond to an emergency or natural disaster. No New 2-3 FD DS Draft Fiscal Year 2025-2028
City Council Goals and Objectives
**Goals are note in ranked/priority order**
Priority Area D- Housing and Homelessness
Facilitate new housing development, assist in ensuring housing stability, support a “Housing First” model, and implement strategies that reduce homelessness Required by
law
New or
ongoing
Year of
plan
Lead Support
D.1 Collaborate with the County of Marin and other community partners to implement comprehensive strategies that prevent and reduce homelessness. CM D.1.1 In collaboration with the County of Marin, explore the implementation of a housing-focused interim shelter program, supported by robust case management services to assist in transitioning unhoused community members into permanent supportive housing, or other permanent housing solutions.
No Ongoing 1-2 CM CAO
D.1.2 Develop a Homelessness Strategic Action Plan, including community engagement and communications strategies, to guide future work relating to solving homelessness. No New 1 CM D.1.3 Evaluate the City’s camping ordinance as the legal framework changes and make revisions as needed that align with the City’s goals to reduce homelessness. Yes Ongoing 1-3 CM CAO D.1.4 Strategically increase and secure additional funding sources by leveraging key partnerships that will support additional programs that reduce homelessness. No Ongoing 1-3 CM FIN D.2 Advance the development of new housing across all affordability levels to meetthe state's Regional Housing NeedsAllocation (RHNA) requirements as outlined in the City's Housing Element, ensuring diverse, sustainable, and equitable housing opportunities for all residents.
CED
D.2.1 Analyze state housing laws and relevant case law to streamline policies, remove barriers, and support the development of new housing in alignment with legal requirements and community needs.
Yes Ongoing 1-3 CED CM
D.2.2 Evaluate the Below Market Rate program model and identify opportunities to better leverage affordable housing assets and increase impact. No New 1 CED FIN D.2.3 Explore policy options regarding fee waivers or deferrals that would support the development of affordable housing projects. No New 2 CED FIN D.3 Evaluate and consider implementation of specific housing policies and programs that promote fair housing practices, ensure housing habitability, and foster diverse housing communities that accommodate all income levels.
CED
D.3.1 Evaluate the effectiveness of existing tenant protection policies and consider revisions as needed. No Ongoing 1 CED CAO D.3.2 Explore policies that protect renters and low-income earners from rising housing costs and economic instability and prevent displacement and preserve housing while ensuring fair returns and sustainability for property owners No Ongoing 1-2 CED CAO
D.3.3 Analyze data from the Housing Inspection Program and residential complaints to identify properties with sub-standard housing conditions and develop a systematic approach that improves the quality of existing housing stock.
No New 3 CED
Draft Fiscal Year 2025-2028
City Council Goals and Objectives
**Goals are note in ranked/priority order**
Priority Area E: Quality of Life: Safety and Wellbeing
Foster a safe, healthy, and thriving community.
Required by
law or
grants
New or
ongoing
Year of
plan
Lead Support
E.1 Ensure police, fire and emergency medical services meet evolving community needs through increased engagement, innovation, training, and operational excellence. PD, FD CM E.1.1 Develop strategies to ensure public safety response times and services can meet the needs of future development and increased population growth. Yes Ongoing 1-3 PD, FD DS E.1.2 Implement data-driven deployment models to enhance emergency medical services and improve Fire Department response times. No Ongoing 1-3 FD E.1.3 Implement an enhanced fire code compliance program, emphasizing education before enforcement. Yes Ongoing 1-3 FD E.1.4 Identify and implement strategies to foster more community involvement to increase trust between law enforcement and the community. No Ongoing 1-3 PD CM E.2 Enhance community safety through innovative programs that strengthen neighborhood security and public safety. PD, FD E.2.1 Reduce emergency response times of Priority 1 police calls. No Ongoing 1-3 PD, FD E.2.2 Identify funding to ensure sustainability and expansion of the Specialized Assistance for Everyone (SAFE) program. No New 1 CM, PD FD, FIN E.2.3 Integrate safety and crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) elements in all infrastructure development and improvement plans/projects. No Ongoing 1-3 CED PD E.2.4 Reduce dangerous driving behavior and the number of collisions resulting in injury through education and enforcement efforts. No Ongoing 1-3 PD E.2.5 Assess and utilize technology solutions to improve public safety systems and response times. No New 2-3 PD E.3 Develop and implement a community engagement, design, and planning process for Measure P implementation that will result in a new Library and Community Center at Albert Park and will meet the needs of San Rafael residents now and into the future and will identify adaptive reuse options for the historic Carnegie Library.
CM DPW, LR,
CED
E.3.1 Establish a project team, including specialists in building and landscape architecture, design, engineering, environmental, community engagement, project management, construction management, and regulatory compliance, to ensure the City has the capacity and expertise to successfully complete the Albert Park Library and Community Center project.
Yes New 1 CM LR
E.3.2 Based on robust community engagement, develop a preferred site plan for the Albert Park Library and Community Center that includes the proposed building location, surrounding site layout, recommended programmatic elements, and a preliminary cost estimate.
Yes New 1-2 CM DPW,
LR, CED
E.3.3 Develop and select final conceptual design/architectural rendering, building floor plan, and cost estimate the Albert Park Library and Community Center, and begin the creation of detailed design and construction documents, due diligence, and permit applications.
Yes New 3+ CM DPW,
LR, CED
E.3.4 Initiate a public planning process related to the preservation of the historic Carnegie Library for ongoing civic, community, or community-serving commercial uses. Yes New 2 CM LR E.4 Maintain and improve parks, libraries, recreation facilities, and outdoor spaces to ensure they are clean, safe, and accessible for all community members. LR E.4.1 Complete the Pickleweed Library and Pickleweed Preschool renovation Yes Ongoing 1-2 LR DPW E.4.2 Utilize the Terra Linda Park and Community Center Enhancement Plan to guide future site improvements and enhance the park and community center’s role as a community resource.
No Ongoing 3+ LR DPW
E.4.3 Initiate the planning process to renovate the play area and make pathway improvements at Gerstle Park. No New 3 LR DPW E.5 Deliver diverse recreational, cultural, and literary programs and services that engage residents and respond to evolving community interests. LR E.5.1 Evaluate library and recreation programs to identify opportunities for improvements in service delivery and enhanced program offerings. No New 2 LR CM, FIN E.5.2 Evaluate options for providing enhanced library services in North San Rafael. No New 1-2 LR E.6 Improve neighborhood safety and reduce nuisances by developing new policies and strengthening the code enforcement program. CED E.6.1 Revise the Street Food Vending Ordinance and develop an implementation and communications plan. No Ongoing 1 CED PD E.6.2 Pursue regulation changes and increase public education and enforcement efforts to curb illegal fireworks, illegal food vending, and illegal massage establishments. No New 3 CED CAO, PD E.6.3 Collaborate with state agencies to ensure ongoing enforcement of illegal hemp/cannabis products. No Ongoing 1 CED CAO, PD E.6.4 Evaluate policies and enforcement mechanisms to address businesses that are not in compliance with the City’s municipal code. No New 3 CED FIN, CM, CAO
Draft Fiscal Year 2025-2028
City Council Goals and Objectives
**Goals are note in ranked/priority order**
Priority Area F: High Performing Government – Innovative, Inclusive, Efficient and Accessible Innovate by implementing forward-thinking solutions, delivering exceptional services that meet community needs equitably, transparently and efficiently.
Required by
law or grants
New or
ongoing
Year of
plan
Lead Support
F.1 Establish metrics for data-driven decision making across departments and implement process improvements using human centered design to improve service delivery and program outcomes.
CM
F.1.1 Create annual work plans for each City Council PriorityArea to track progress and revise as necessary when reprioritization is needed. No Ongoing 1-3 DS CM F.1.2 Enhance the performance management system that supports tracking progress towards City Council Goals and Objectives. No New 1 CM DS F.1.3 Implement a citywide community relationship management (CRM) solution to improve tracking and responsiveness to community questions, code enforcement complaints, and requests for service.
No New 2-3 CM DS
F.2 Innovate City systems and operations to improve service delivery, customer experience, responsiveness and transparency. CM F.2.1 Evaluate, identify, and implement technology solutions, including artificial intelligence, which streamline and improve internal and external processes (i.e., enterprise resource planning, virtual permitting systems, records and information management, website).
No Ongoing 1-3 DS ALL
F.2.2 Create and implement a citywide strategic communications plan that improves public messaging, combats misinformation, enhances two-way engagement, and establishes consistent communication practices both within the organization and with the community.
No Ongoing 1 CM DS
F.2.3 Update the City’s website to enhance content, functionality, accessibility and customer experience. No New 1 DS ALL F.2.4 Update and implement city-wide records retention schedules and Public Records Act related policies. Yes New 1-2 CC CAO F 2.5 Support and explore regional partnerships to seek efficiencies in service delivery. No Ongoing 1-3 CM HR, FD, CED F.2.6 Analyze and identify revisions to the municipal code and City Charter to make them more accessible, understandable, and gender inclusive. No Ongoing 2 CC CAO F.2.7 Evaluate placing the City Charter on the ballot to facilitate revisions identified in Objective G.2.8. No New 3 CC CM, CAO F.3 Implement comprehensive financial strategies and plans that ensure fiscal sustainability through balanced budgets; explore new revenue streams and renew existing tax measures.
CM, FIN
F.3.1 Develop timeline and take steps to renew existing tax measures requiring voter approval. No New 1 CM FIN, CC, CAO
F.3.2 Explore strategies and initiatives aimed at increasing overall sales tax revenues by attracting new sales tax generating entities, diversifying the City’s current sales tax base and capturing sales tax “leakage” in targeted sectors.
No Ongoing 1-3 FIN/CEDCM
F.3.3 Identify and secure new revenue sources to address the insufficient funding available to address deferred maintenance of the city's infrastructure, ensuring long-term sustainability, safety, reduction of flood risk, and reliability of public assets, including storm water system, park and facility enhancement plans, etc.
No New 1-3 FIN CM &
DEPTS
F.3.4 Update the master fee schedule and development impact fees to ensure full cost recovery and address increased demand for public services and facilities. Yes New 1 FIN CM & DEPTS
F.4 Develop and implement programs to enhance the diversity of the workforce; and improve employee engagement, professional development, retention, and succession planning.
CM, HR
F.4.1 Dedicate resources toward continuous culture building through enhanced employee recognition, comprehensive onboarding, and mentorship programs. No Ongoing 1 HR CM F.4.2 Develop and implement innovative recruitment and retention strategies that address recruitment, retention, and advancement of a diverse workforce and which keeps the City competitive and recognized as a top local government workplace.
No Ongoing 1-3 HR CM
F.4.3 Develop and implement an enhanced professional development and training program that includes learning management, innovation, and skill building. No New 2-3 HR CM F.4.4 Promote holistic employee wellbeing through work-life balance initiatives and supportive workplace policies. No New 1 HR CM Draft Fiscal Year 2025-2028
City Council Goals and Objectives
**Goals are note in ranked/priority order**
Priority Area G - Equity, Access, Belonging and Opportunity for All Our City strives to create equitable outcomes and address systemic injustices Required by
law
New or
Ongoing
Year
of Plan
Lead Support
G.1 Develop accessibility standards and inclusive practices across all City operations to enhance digital, physical, and programmatic access for community members of all abilities and identities.
CED CAO, DPW,
& DEPTS
G.1.1 Evaluate and revise the Americans with DisabilitiesAct program and policies as necessary. Yes New 1-3 CED CAO, DPW, & DEPTS
G.2 Increase the involvement of the community in local governance and policymaking by fostering inclusive engagement,removing barriers to participation, building capacity, and amplifying diverse voices.
CM
G.2.1 Develop an inclusive, resident led community engagement program to bring all members of the community into decision-making for major projects and initiatives. No Ongoing 1 CM DS G.2.2 Establish a citywide stipend policy to ensure that all community members can participate in civic life and are compensated for providing their expertise, lived experience, and valuable feedback to the City.
No New 1 CM DS
G.2.3 Implement the City’s Language Resource Access Plan to improve multilingual engagement practices. No New 1-2 CM DS, DEPTS G.2.4 Evaluate new programs which comprehensively address the needs of San Rafael’s vulnerable populations (immigrant, disabled, homeless, older adults, etc.) through collaboration with community-based partners.
No New 3 CM
G.3 Integrate equity into all planning efforts and public investments to ensure equitable distribution of resources and to address historical disparities and injustices. CM G.3.1 Develop and implement a strategic roadmap to guide the City’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging initiatives. No New 1-2 CM DEPTS G.3.2 Develop and implement a data driven approach by using benchmarks and indicators such as census tract data, public health indices, and past City investments to inform decisions about the location of future public improvements.
No Ongoing 1-3 DS CM, DPW
G.3.3 Expand on the City’s strategic approach to ensure diversity of candidate pools when recruiting for boards, commissions, and committees. No Ongoing 1-3 CC CM, HR G.3.4 Expand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging training for staff and elected officials. No New 2-3 CM HR G.3.5 Develop guidance and train staff on methods for incorporating an equity and climate justice lens into the development of programs, policies, and projects to ensure no unintended harm is done by them and to ensure historical injustices are not repeated.
No New 2-3 CM SUS