What I'd like you to know

The recent controversial proposal concerning elimination of the Assistant to the Town Manager position, one of the roles now held by Town Clerk Judy Anderson, was an idea I put forth to address the Council’s concern that we begin to focus on the looming imbalance between the revenue we receive and the expenses we incur in operating your Town government. This fiscal situation has been exacerbated by the flood which left a devastating hole in our general fund budget, plus the $5 million dollars in FEMA funding that we have yet to receive. I have decided to rescind my personnel recommendation – a decision based on the significant opposition raised in the community. I want to be clear, however, that the Town’s fiscal situation is fragile, and is partially masked by the generosity of the taxpayers in passing Measure F last year. The Council, through its strategic planning work, is evaluating where we can identify revenue that we hope will fill the funding gap that will occur after this special funding sunsets after fiscal year 2010. We are a small town and we can identify the potential for savings in few key areas – principal among these being personnel. At the same time, the Town has an obligation to ensure the safety of the community through fully staffing police and fire operations to be adequately prepared for any emergencies. Balancing all of the Town’s competing financial priorities is not an easy task. I will be working with the Council to promote creative efficiencies in providing municipal service to the community and welcome your recommendations and suggestions.

Fairfax Players present "To Kill a Mockingbird"

The Fairfax Players are proud to present Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" under the stars in Peri Park adjacent to the playground, to be held on July 27, 28, 30, and August 3 - 6 and 10 - 13. $15 Adults and $6 Seniors and Youth. Advance tickets available at Bookbeat. For more informatin see the flyer.

Albertson's

As everyone knows, Albertson's market is due to close. We were given the closure date of August 9th. I have been working to find out as much information as possible regarding this closure, and have been lobbying for an acceptable replacement tenant, such as a supermarket that is more in keeping with community needs and desires. I recently found out that August 4th is the due date for bids on the sublease of the property. I will post any updates on this blog.

Sales tax revenue to the Town from Albertson's represents approximately 7% of the Town's annual sales tax revenue, so this will be a hit on our general fund budget.

Budget workshop

The latest revised draft budget and my staff report regarding a proposed staffing reorganization are now posted at http://www.town-of-fairfax.org/TownCouncil/TownCouncilPacket/

These documents will be considered at a Special Meeting of the Town Council on Monday, July 24th at 7:00 p.m. in the Women's Club. The meeting is open to the public.

Fairfax Citizens Disaster Council

The first meeting of the Fairfax Citizens Disaster Council was held on Tuesday, July 18th at 10 a.m. For a summary of the meeting and the future plans of this group, see the press release , a pdf document posted on the Town News page.

Pediatrics clinic approved

A few weeks ago, the Planning Commission approved a new pediatrics clinic to be situated at 145 Bolinas Road. The services to be provided will be on an urgent care basis. Local Fairfax doctors Michelle Perro, M.D. and Richard Bodony, M.D. wil be operating the practice, and the plans are to open the office this Fall. Thank you, Doctors Perro and Bodony, for bringing this much-needed service to the Fairfax community.

July Strategic Planning meeting cancelled

The Marin Independent Journal incorrectly reported yesterday that we would be holding a Strategic Planning meeting on July 22nd. The meeting has been cancelled due to budget preparations. The next Strategic Planning meeting of the Town Council will take place on Saturday, August 19th at 9:00 a.m. in the Women's Club.

12/31/05 Flood Film Showing

A showing of San Anselmo resident and filmmaker Ben Burtt's documentary of the 12/31/05 Ross Valley flood will take place on Friday, August 4th at 8 p.m. in the Fairfax Central Ballfield. Donations from the event will benefit the restoration of the Fairfax Pavilion. The film shows dramatic images of storm water, mud, destruction, and rescues that were captured by amateur photographers who were on the spot as it happened.

I watched the first showing of the film in San Anselmo and it is a documentary you will not want to miss.

Glad to come home to Fairfax

I just returned from a short trip to Southern California where I attended a training seminar and also visited some family. I grew up in the L.A. area and now when I visit there I cannot wait to leave…and return to Fairfax! I now have the pleasure of coming home to a community with a strong sense of identity and a unique charm that makes our town so special. We enjoy home grown shops, a feeling of community, and a friendliness that is unsurpassed. Thank you for the privilege of serving you and for the opportunity to be a part of this town.

Citizens' Disaster Council Meeting

Mayor Susan Brandborg is convening the first meeting of the Fairfax Citizens Disaster Council on Tuesday, July 18th at 10 a.m. in the Women's Club at 46 Park Road. We will be discussing the role of this Council and planning upcoming projects. The meeting is open to the public.

Measure F Oversight Committee Meeting

The next meeting of the Measure F Oversight Committee will be held on Wednesday, July 12th at 7:30 p.m. in the Youth Center, 16 Park Road. On the agenda is the proposed Measure F expenditure strategy for Fiscal Year 2006-07. The meeting is open to the public.

Council meeting tonight, July 5th

Our regular Council meeting is tonight, July 5th at 7:30. The agenda is posted. We had some problems with posting the agenda packet items on the website on Friday and they are being reposted today hopefully with more success.

July 4th Photos

About 35 people turned out today to read the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights at Peri Park. What a great community we have where we can enjoy the opportunity to spend part of Independence Day celebrating our liberties in this meaningful way.

July 4th Celebration

Join us today, July 4th, for a celebration of the words that made us great! A public reading of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights will take place under the redwood trees at the temporary stage in Peri Park at Noon. Hope to see you there!