SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Monday, July 20, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
San Rafael Council Chambers & Virtual
1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
Virtual Participation:
Webinar: https://tinyurl.com/city-council-2
Phone: (669) 444-9171
ID: 860-6190-5675#
Present: Councilmember Bushey
Councilmember Hill
Vice Mayor Kertz
Mayor Kate
Absent: Councilmember Llorens Gulati
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, commented on how to participate in tonight’s meeting and decorum, and a land acknowledgment.
City Attorney Robert Epstein announced there was no reportable action taken from the June 29, 2026 Closed Session.
City Clerk Lindsay Lara informed the community that the meeting would be recorded and streamed live to YouTube and Zoom, and members of the public would provide public comment either inperson, by telephone or online, and she explained the process for community participation.
OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
• Jared Mum addressed the City Council regarding housing in San Rafael and union labor. • John Macentiret addressed the City Council regarding housing in San Rafael and union labor.
• Kevin Collins addressed the City Council regarding proposed building heights in San Rafael.
• Patty Reese addressed the City Council regarding the B Street Safeway and the Mill Creek development application.
• Josie Quimby addressed the City Council regarding sustainability and climate action.
CITY MANAGER AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
(including AB 1234 Reports on Meetings and Conferences Attended at City Expense)
1. City Manager and Councilmember Reports:
Interim City Manager Paul Navazio provided the following announcements and updates:
• Touch-a-Truck event on July 25th from 10am - 12pm at San Rafael High School • National Night Out event on August 4th
2 • City Council meeting on August 3rd cancelled
• Murals and public art on C Street
• State Department of Transportation about maintenance work on highway 101 - both freeway and onramps and off ramps starting 7/20 through 7/25.
City Councilmember Reports:
• Vice Mayor Kertz reported on Homeless Policy Steering Committee, San Rafael Age Friendly, Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority, and Juneteenth celebration • Councilmember Hill reported on Measure P Subcommittee, Finance Subcommittee, 47th Fairfax Festival Parade, and Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers.
• Councilmember Bushey reported on San Rafael Sanitation District, Marin Transit, and attended the Memorial Mass for Esther Beirne, former San Rafael City Clerk • Mayor Kate reported on Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit, Freitas Roundabout celebration, and Marin Transit.
Mayor Kate invited public comment.
Speakers: Susan Gilbert, Brenda Goeden
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor Kate invited public comment.
Speakers: Daniel Alm of West End Neighborhoods Association, Wayne Rayburn, Marianne Nannestaad, Gregory Andrew, Craig Murray, Susan Gilbert, Phoebe Reyes Councilmember Bushey moved and Councilmember Hill seconded to approve the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz & Mayor Kate
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Llorens Gulati
2. Consent Calendar Items:
a. Approval of Minutes
Approve Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of June 4, 2026, the Special and Regular City Council Meetings of June 15, 2026, and the Special Closed Session of June 29, 2026 (CC)
Approved Minutes as submitted
b. June 2, 2026 Special Municipal Election Results
Resolution Declaring Canvass of Votes Cast and Results of Ballot Measure K at the Special Municipal Election Held on June 2, 2026 (CC) Adopt Resolution 15586 (Naming Ordinance 2068)
c. Park Impact Fee Program Ordinance Adoption
Final Adoption of Ordinance 2065: 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 (CC) Final Adoption of Ordinance 2065
d. Transportation Mitigation Fee Program Ordinance Adoption 3 Final Adoption of Ordinance 2066: An Ordinance Adding Chapter 3.33, Transportation Mitigation Fee Program, to the San Rafael Municipal Code (CC) Final Adoption of Ordinance 2066
e. Parking Regulations Ordinance Adoption
Final Adoption of Ordinance 2067: An Ordinance Amending Title 5 of the San Rafael Municipal Code to Update Parking Regulations, Traffic Administration, and Enforcement Provisions (CC)
Final Adoption of Ordinance 2067
f. Cooperation Agreement with County of Marin for Grant Programs Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Third Amendment to the City’s Cooperation Agreement Dated 2020 with the County of Marin for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Programs to Extend the Agreement for Another Three Years and Other Modifications (CED)
Adopted Resolution 15587
g. Temporary Street Closures for Special Events
Resolution Authorizing Temporary Street Closures in San Rafael for Special Events Including Dancing Under the Lights, the Davidson School Pickleball Block Party, the West End Neighborhood Association Block Party, and San Rafael Porchfest (CED)
Adopted Resolution 15588
h. Temporary Street Closures for the 2026 West End Block Party Resolution Authorizing Temporary Street Closure of Fourth Street Between F and G Street in San Rafael for the 2026 West End Block Party (CED) Adopted Resolution 15589
i. Establishment of 350 Merrydale Affordable Housing Development Project Subcommittee and Appoint City Councilmembers
Establish City Council Subcommittee for City Affordable Housing Development Project at 350 Merrydale Road and Update City Council Appointments to Committees and Representation for 2026 (CED)
Established City Council Subcommittee for City Affordable Housing Development Project at 350 Merrydale Road, and Updated City Council Appointments to Committees and Representation for 2026
j. 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Site Preparation
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Waive Competitive Bidding, Negotiate and Execute an Agreement for the Site Preparation of 350 Merrydale to Ghilotti Brothers, Inc. in the Amount of $989,825; Authorizing the City Manager to Amend the Contract Amount Using Contingency Funds of $98,983, for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $1,088,808; And Approving the Plans and Specifications for the Interim Shelter Project, Deemed Reasonable by the City Engineer, for County Grant with the City, on File in the Department of Public Works (CM) Adopted Resolution 15590
k. Proclamation
Proclamation in Recognition of Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary (CM) Received and filed
l. Acceptance of Grant from Marin Community Foundation
4 Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Accept the Grant of Funds from the Marin Community Foundation to Extend the Climate Justice and Engagement Manager Position, Execute Any Other Documents Necessary and Incidental to the Acceptance of the Grant, and Appropriating Funds in the Amount of $75,000 in the City’s Grant Fund (Fund 283) for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Project #: G142117310 (CM)
Adopted Resolution 15591
m. Acceptance of Grant for Adaptation Project
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Accept the Grant of Funds from the Marin Community Foundation for the Bayfront Levee Sea Level Rise Adaptation Project, Execute Any Other Documents Necessary and Incidental to the Acceptance of the Grant and Appropriating Funds in the Amount of $250,000 in the City’s Grant Fund (Fund 283) for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for this Project (CM) Adopted Resolution 15592
n. City Investment Policy
Resolution Approving the City of San Rafael Investment Policy (Fin) Adopted Resolution 15593
o. Fireboat Purchase
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract to Purchase One Fireboat with Metalcraft Marine Inc. for the Fire Department for a Not-To-Exceed Amount of $1,481,419; And Authorizing Supplemental Budget Appropriations of $1,054,988 Within the Fire Equipment Replacement Fund (Fund 625) Supported by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grant in the Amount of $904,988 and Sale of the Existing Fireboat for a Total Project Cost Not-To-Exceed $1,495,000 (FD)
Adopted Resolution 15594
p. Fuel Services Contract
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Procure Fuel Services Through a Cooperative Purchasing Program with Pacific Coast Petroleum, Inc. for Up to Three Years in an Amount Not to Exceed $522,000 Per Fiscal Year, for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $1,566,000, with the Authority to Extend the Agreement for Two Additional Fiscal Years, in an Amount Not to Exceed $522,000 per Fiscal Year, Subject to Subsequent Appropriations (PW)
Adopted Resolution 15595
q. Embarcadero Way One-Way Conversion Pilot Project
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Parametrix, Inc. (PMX) for Additional Design, Outreach, and Implementation Services Associated with the Embarcadero Way One-Way Conversion Pilot Project in the Amount of $26,580, Increasing the Total Amount Under the Agreement to $120,795 (PW) Adopted Resolution 15596
r. 2025 Pavement Maintenance Program Paving and Striping Project i. Resolution Approving the Plans and Specifications for the 2025 Pavement Maintenance Program Paving and Striping Project, City Project No.
C44A26PMP1 (“Project”); Awarding and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Construction Agreement with American Asphalt Repair and Resurfacing Co., Inc. in the Amount of $910,341.11; Authorizing the City 5 Manager to Amend the Contract Amount Using Contingency Funds of $189,658.89 for a Total Not-To-Exceed Amount of $1,100,000; And Authorizing the Carry-Forward of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Appropriations for the Project
Adopted Resolution 15597
ii. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with El Reino Lara LLC DBA CAL Pavement Management for OnCall Pavement Preservation Services Associated with the City of San Rafael’s Annual Pavement Management Program, in the Amount Not To Exceed $125,000; And Authorizing the Carry-Forward of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Appropriations for the Agreement (PW)
Adopted Resolution 15598
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. Public Hearings:
a. November 2026 Ballot Measure: Revenue Enhancement – Real Property Transfer Tax Rate
Resolution Calling for a General Municipal Election on November 3, 2026, for the Purpose of Submitting to the Qualified Electors of the City a Measure to Modify Chapter 3.22 of the San Rafael Municipal Code to Increase the Real Property Transfer Tax Rate and Add an Oversight Provision; Authorizing and Requesting that the County of Marin Consolidate and Conduct the Election; Directing the City Attorney to Prepare an Impartial Analysis and Authorizing Mayor Kate and Councilmember Bushey to File a Ballot Argument and Rebuttal for the Measure (CM)
Interim City Manager Paul Navazio presented the Staff Report.
Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited public comment.
Speakers: Jenny Fifer, Zandra Delregeno, Noah Bugby, Phoebe Reyes, Name withheld, Victoria DeWitt, Grace Geraghty, Chris Backer, Brian Councilmembers provided comments.
Vice Mayor Kertz moved and Councilmember Bushey seconded to adopt a Resolution Calling for a General Municipal Election on November 3, 2026, for the Purpose of Submitting to the Qualified Electors of the City a Measure to Modify Chapter 3.22 of the San Rafael Municipal Code to Increase the Real Property Transfer Tax Rate and Add an Oversight Provision; Authorizing and Requesting that the County of Marin Consolidate and Conduct the Election; Directing the City Attorney to Prepare an Impartial Analysis and Authorizing Mayor Kate and Councilmember Bushey to File a Ballot Argument and Rebuttal for the Measure
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz & Mayor Kate
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Llorens Gulati
Adopted Resolution 15599
6 b. Change in Speed Limit on Eighteen San Rafael Roadway Segments Introduction of an Ordinance Regarding Speed Limit Changes on 18 San Rafael Roadway Segments Outside of Downtown Pursuant to Sections 22357 and 22358 of the California Vehicle Code; California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Determination: Exempt Pursuant to State CEQA Guideline 15061(b)(3) (PW) Traffic Engineering Technician Kelley Abey and Parametrix consultant Jimmy Jessup presented the Staff Report.
Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited public comment.
Speakers: Daniel Alm of West End Neighborhood Association, David Selzer, Kevin Hagerty of Pt. San Pedro Road Coalition, Brian Walsh
Councilmembers provided comments.
Councilmember Hill moved and Vice Mayor Kertz seconded to introduce the Ordinance, waive further reading, and refer to it by title only.
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz & Mayor Kate
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Llorens Gulati
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 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL REGARDING SPEED LIMIT CHANGES ON 18 SAN RAFAEL ROADWAY SEGMENTS OUTSIDE OF DOWNTOWN PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 22357 AND 22358 OF THE
CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS
4. Other Agenda Items:
a. City of San Rafael Traffic Calming Program Policy
Resolution Approving the City of San Rafael’s Traffic Calming Program Policy; California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Determination: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15378(b)(5) (PW)
Traffic Engineer Sayed Fakhry presented the Staff Report.
Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited public comment.
Speakers: Daniel Alm of West End Neighborhood Association, Dave Rhoads of Walk Bike San Rafael, Susan Gilbert
Councilmembers provided comments.
7 Councilmember Bushey moved and Councilmember Hill seconded to adopt a Resolution Approving the City of San Rafael’s Traffic Calming Program Policy AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz & Mayor Kate
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Llorens Gulati
Adopted Resolution 15600
b. Nomination of Eligible Census Tracts for Opportunity Zone 2.0 Resolution in Support of an Application to the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-BIZ) Recommending the Nomination of Census Tracts 06041111001, 06041112100, 06041112202, 06041112203, and 06041112204 to the Opportunity Zone 2.0 Program (CED)
Assistant Director of Community & Economic Development Greg Minor presented the Staff Report.
Staff responded to questions from the City Council.
Mayor Kate invited public comment; however, there was none.
Councilmembers provided comments.
Councilmember Bushey moved and Vice Mayor Kertz seconded to adopt a Resolution in Support of an Application to the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-BIZ) Recommending the Nomination of Census Tracts 06041111001, 06041112100, 06041112202, 06041112203, and 06041112204 to the Opportunity Zone 2.0 Program
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz & Mayor Kate
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Llorens Gulati
Adopted Resolution 15601
OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION - CONTINUED
• Saj Dakar of National Association of Youth Commissions addressed the City Council regarding the creation of a Youth Commission in the City of San Rafael.
SAN RAFAEL SUCCESSOR AGENCY
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Consent Calendar:
Chairperson Kate invited public comment; however, there was none.
Member Bushey moved and Member Hill seconded to approve the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Members: Bushey, Hill, Kertz & Chairperson Kate
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: Llorens Gulati
8 a. Declaration of Exempt Surplus Land and Sale of Andersen Drive Remnant Parcel (APN 018-180-52)
Resolution of the San Rafael Successor Agency to the Former San Rafael Redevelopment Agency Declaring the Real Property Located at Andersen Drive (APN 018-180-52) to be Exempt Surplus Land Under Government Code Section 54221(F)(1)(E); and Authorizing the Sale of the Parcel to the Adjacent Property Owner, Marin Sanitary Service or Other Adjacent Property Owner, Pursuant to the Negotiated Purchase and Sale Agreement in an Amount Not to Exceed $40,000 for the Value of the Property; California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Determination: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15312 and 15061(B)(3) (CED)
Adopted Resolution 2026-01
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Kate adjourned the meeting at 10:02 p.m. in memory of Esther Beirne, retired elected City Clerk who passed away.
______________________
LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS __DAY OF____________, 2026
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KATE COLIN, Mayor