MINUTES
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL - MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2026
REGULAR MEETING AT 6:00 P.M.
San Rafael City Hall, Council Chambers
1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
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Present: Councilmember Bushey
Councilmember Hill
Vice Mayor Kertz
Councilmember Llorens Gulati
Mayor Kate
Absent: None
Also Present: Interim City Manager Paul Navazio
City Attorney Robert Epstein
City Clerk Lindsay Lara
Mayor Kate called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and invited City Clerk Lindsay Lara to call the roll.
Mayor Kate provided opening remarks which included gratitude to City Staff, recognition of Firefighter/Paramedic James Irvine, who was awarded the most prestigious award at the California Emergency Medical Services Authority when named the 2025 California Paramedic of the Year, how to participate in tonight’s meeting and decorum, and a land acknowledgment.
City Clerk Lindsay Lara announced the meeting would be recorded and streamed live to YouTube and through Zoom. She noted the two-minute timer for public comment and closed captioning on Zoom.
OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION – 10 MINUTES
• Karla Ekchan, Alcohol Justice, addressed the City Council regarding the Free Our Sports campaign
• Kendra Rodas, Alcohol Justice, addressed the City Council regarding signage and lighting at local parks to prohibit alcohol use
• Name Withheld addressed the City Council regarding speed bumps on Spinnaker Point Drive
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public Hearings:
a. Update to Park Impact Fee Programs and Nexus Study
i. (Continued Public Hearing of) Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Chapter
3.24, Entitled “Park and Recreation Facilities Fee,” and Chapter 15.09, Entitled “Park Dedication and In-Lieu Fees,” of the San Rafael Municipal Code; CEQA Determination: Exempt Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378, 15262, 15273, and 15061(b)(3) ii. Resolution Adopting the Park Nexus Study and Associated Park and Recreation Facilities Project List, Adopting Updated Charges for the Park and Recreation Facilities Fee, and Adopting Updated Park Dedication Requirements and Park Dedication and In-Lieu Fees; CEQA Determination: Not a Project Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065; CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 and Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15262, 15273, and 15061 (b)(3) (CED)
Community & Economic Development Director Micah Hinkle commented on the item and introduced Senior Management Analyst Sullina Smith who presented the Staff Report.
Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited public comment.
Speakers: Jenny Silva, Call Marin Home, Jeff Dougherty, Ani Gupta, Marin YIMBY Staff responded to further questions from the City Council.
Councilmembers provided comments.
Councilmember Hill moved and Councilmember Llorens Gulati seconded to introduce the Ordinance, waive further reading, and refer to it by title only.
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
Introduced the Ordinance, waived further reading, and referred to it by title only The City Clerk read the title of the Ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AMENDING CHAPTER 3.24, ENTITLED “PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES FEE,” AND CHAPTER 15.09, ENTITLED “PARK DEDICATION AND IN-LIEU FEES,” OF THE SAN RAFAEL
MUNICIPAL CODE
Councilmember Hill moved and Councilmember Llorens Gulati seconded to adopt the Resolution (with Exhibit B2 and Exhibit C2) for the three-year phased implementation.
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
Adopted Resolution 15578, with Exhibits B2 and C2
b. Update to Transportation Mitigation Fee Program and Nexus Study i. Introduction of an Ordinance Adding Chapter 3.33, Entitled “Transportation Mitigation Fee Program,” to the San Rafael Municipal Code; CEQA Determination: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), And ii. Resolution Adopting the Transportation Mitigation Fee Nexus Study and the Transportation Mitigation Fee Project List and Setting Charges for the Transportation Mitigation Fee; CEQA Determination: Not a Project Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378; And Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15262, 15273, and 15061(b)(3) (PW)
Councilmember Hill announced a conflict of interest and left the chambers at 6:57 p.m.
Associate Civil Engineer Sarah Teplitsky and Bob Grandy, Fehr & Peers, presented the Staff Report.
Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited public comment.
Speakers: Jenny Silva, Call Marin Home, Ani Gupta, Andrew Easterlin, Jeff Dougherty Staff responded to questions from public comment.
Councilmembers provided comments.
Vice Mayor Kertz moved and Councilmember Llorens Gulati seconded to introduce the Ordinance, waive further reading, and refer to it by title only.
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Hill
Introduced the Ordinance, waived further reading, and referred to it by title only The City Clerk read the title of the Ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL ADDING CHAPTER 3.33, ENTITLED “TRANSPORTATION MITIGATION FEE PROGRAM,” TO THE SAN RAFAEL MUNICIPAL CODE
Councilmember Llorens Gulati moved and Vice Mayor Kertz seconded to adopt a Resolution adopting the Transportation Mitigation Fee Nexus Study and the Transportation Mitigation Fee Project List and setting charges for the Transportation Mitigation Fee.
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Hill
Adopted Resolution 15579
Councilmember Hill returned to the council chambers at 7:50 p.m. c. Amendments to Municipal Code Related to Parking Regulations Introduction of an Ordinance Amending San Rafael Municipal Code, Title 5 Traffic Regulations, to Update Parking Regulations, Traffic Administration, and Enforcement Provisions; CEQA Determination: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15378(b)(5) (CM/PS)
Senior Management Analyst Preya Nixon and Elliott Holt, Dixon Resources Unlimited presented the Staff Report.
Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited public comment; however, there were none.
Councilmembers provided comments.
Councilmember Hill moved and Vice Mayor Kertz seconded to introduce the Ordinance, waive further reading, refer to it by title only, subject to the removal of Section 5.74 from the Ordinance.
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
Introduced the Ordinance, waived further reading, referred to it by title only, subject to the removal of Section 5.74 from the Ordinance
The City Clerk read the title of the Ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AMENDING TITLE 5 OF THE SAN RAFAEL MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE PARKING
REGULATIONS, TRAFFIC ADMINISTRATION, AND ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS d. Point San Pedro Median Landscaping Assessment District Resolution Confirming the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the Point San Pedro Road Median Landscaping Assessment District and the Assessment Diagram Connected Therewith and Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments for FY 2026-27 (PW) Senior Management Analyst Lorena Cordova presented the Staff Report.
Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited public comment; however, there were none.
Councilmembers provided comments.
Councilmember Bushey moved and Councilmember Llorens Gulati seconded to adopt the Resolution confirming the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the Point San Pedro Road Median Landscaping Assessment District and the Assessment Diagram connected therewith and Ordering the Levy and collection of assessments for FY 2026-27.
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
Adopted Resolution 15580
e. Baypoint Lagoons Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District Resolution Confirming the Engineer’s Annual Report for the Baypoint Lagoons Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District and the Assessment Diagram Connected Therewith and Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessment for Fiscal Year 2026- 27 (PW)
Senior Management Analyst Lorena Cordova presented the Staff Report.
Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited public comment.
Speakers: Dave Bonfilio, Baypoint Lagoons Homeowners Association, Corrie Sias Staff responded to questions from public comment.
Councilmembers provided comments.
Councilmember Llorens Gulati moved and Vice Mayor Kertz seconded to adopt a Resolution confirming the Engineer’s Annual Report for the Baypoint Lagoons Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District and the Assessment Diagram connected therewith and Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessment for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
Adopted Resolution 15581
f. Proposed Update to Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Resolution Updating the City’s Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026-27 (Fin) Interim City Manager Paul Navazio presented the Staff Report.
Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited public comment; however, there was none.
Councilmembers provided comments.
Vice Mayor Kertz moved and Councilmember Llorens Gulati seconded to adopt a Resolution authorizing an update to the City’s Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 to adjust fees for selected programs and services where fee increases beyond previously approved increases based on specified Consumer Price Index (CPI) are required to meet and maintain target cost recovery levels.
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
Adopted Resolution 15582
Mayor Kate announced the next item will have interpretation in Spanish.
Mayor Kate called a recess at 9:01 p.m. and called the meeting back to order at 9:08 p.m.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS
2. Other Agenda Items:
a. Canal Neighborhood Active Transportation Enhancement Project Consideration of Next Steps Related to Proposed Starkweather Pathway Lighting Implemented by the Canal Neighborhood Active Transportation Enhancement Project (PW)
Mayor Kate reminded everyone that this item will have interpretation in Spanish.
Public Works Director April Miller and Senior Civil Engineer Grey Melgard presented the Staff Report.
Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited public comment.
Speaker: Stuart Dubey, Marsh Alliance, Dave Bonfilio, Joe Mueller, Edward LaBarre, Claire Taylor, Marsh Alliance, Joni Harris, Marsh Alliance, Reva Revis, Aurelia Vargas, Voces del Canal, Andy Easterlin, Felix Perez, Voces del Canal, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Voces del Canal, Cruz Vargas, Voces del Canal, Deborah Alstead, Marsh Alliance, Roger Alstead, Marsh Alliance, Sally LaMont, Marsh Alliance, Kate Powers, Name Withheld, Voces del Canal, Sheila Alvarez, Canal Alliance, Cris Parra, Name Withheld Staff responded to questions from public comment.
Councilmembers provided comments.
Councilmember Llorens Gulati moved and Vice Mayor Kertz seconded to direct Staff to modify the scope of work for the proposed lighting along Starkweather Path for the Canal Neighborhood Active Transportation Enhancements Project to include only waisthigh bollards and to reduce hours of operations for the lighting.
AYES: Councilmembers: Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Bushey & Hill
Directed Staff to modify the scope of work for the proposed lighting along Starkweather Path for the Canal Neighborhood Active Transportation Enhancement Project to include only waisthigh bollards and to reduce hours of operations for the lighting b. Final Citywide Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, Gann Legal Spending Limit, Measure A Work Plan, and Capital Improvement Program
i. Approval of the Capital Improvement Program – FY 2026-27 Through FY 2028- 29 Recommended Action – Approval of the Capital Improvement Program – FY 2026- 27 through FY 2028-29
ii. Resolution Approving the Citywide Budget and Capital Improvement Program Budget for the Fiscal Year 2026-27; Providing for the Appropriations and Expenditure of All Sums Set Forth in the Budget in the Amount of $208,222,108, with Net Appropriations of $177,550,935
Recommended Action – Adopt Resolution
iii. Resolution Approving Fiscal Year 2026-27 Gann Appropriations Limit at $206,894,864
Recommended Action – Adopt Resolution
iv. Resolution Approving the Measure A Work Plan for Proposed Expenditure of Measure A Funds for FY 2026-27 (Fin)
Recommended Action – Adopt Resolution
Councilmember Hill announced a conflict of interest from 2.b.i and left the chambers at 11:10 p.m.
Interim City Manager Paul Navazio presented 2.b.i of the Staff Report.
Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited public comment (on item 2.b.i only); however, there were none.
Councilmember Llorens Gulati moved and Vice Mayor Kertz seconded to approve the Capital Improvement Program – FY 2026-27 through FY 2028-29.
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Hill
Approval of the Capital Improvement Program - FY 2026-27 through FY 2028-29 Councilmember Hill returned to the council chambers at 11:15 p.m.
Interim City Manager Paul Navazio presented the 2.b.ii, iii and iv of the Staff Report.
Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited public comment; however, there were none.
Councilmembers provided comments.
Vice Mayor Kertz moved and Councilmember Llorens Gulati seconded to adopt a Resolution approving the Citywide Budget for the Fiscal Year 2026-27; providing for the appropriations and expenditure of all sums set forth in the budget in the amount of $208,222,108, with net appropriations of $177,550,935.
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
Adopted Resolution 15583
Councilmember Bushey moved and Councilmember Hill seconded to adopt a Resolution approving Fiscal Year 2026-27 Gann Appropriations Limit.
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
Adopted Resolution 15584
Councilmember Llorens Gulati moved and Vice Mayor Kertz seconded to adopt a Resolution approving the Measure A Work Plan for FY 2026-27.
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
Adopted Resolution 15585
CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
(including AB 1234 Reports on Meetings and Conferences Attended at City Expense) a. City Manager and Councilmember Reports:
None.
OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION CONTINUED
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Kate adjourned the meeting at 11:52 p.m.
__________________________
LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS _____DAY OF____________, 2026
_____________________________________
KATE COLIN, Mayor