Public Comment - City Council Meeting (Dec. 15)
Agenda Item 4.c - Vice Mayor Election and City Council Appointments to Committees for 2026
Good evening Mayor and Councilmembers.
I'm speaking on this item because it concerns Council appointments to regional and ovejsight bodies, and how those roles can he!p the City anticipate and manage emerging risks as major projects move forward.
First, 'd like ta respectfully ask the Mayor, in her role on the SMART Board, to help identify and clarify any grey areas related to access to the SMART right- of-way from the 350 Merrydale property. As that site becomes an interim shelter and later permanent housing, early coordination around access, safety, and operational boundaries will be important for residents, service providers, and SMART.
Second, !'d like to ask whether the Councilmember serving on the Library •Foundation Board can share whether there is a plan, or active discussion, regarding the expiration of the Measure D Library Tax in 2026, which currently provides about 25 percent of the library's operating budget.
Finally, I want to raise a funding concern related to the SAFE Team. Measure G, "he cannabis tax, provides a significant portion of SAFE Team funding— about $550,000 in the 2025-26 budget — but that revenue source has been declining. With the opening of the 350 Merrydale interim shelter likely increasing demand on the SAFE Team, it would be helpful to understand how the City plans to address that potential gap.
I respectfully ask the Council to use its committee and board roles to help icontify these ricks early and report back to the public.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
San Rafael Meadows
December 15, 2025