Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party!

It's not too late to reserve your spot at the Annual Fairfax Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party, taking place on Thursday, December 7th starting at 6 p.m. at Deer Park Villa, 367 Bolinas Road. This promises to be a fun-filled festive night of dining and dancing, starting with a no-host cocktail hour followed by a dinner buffet. Enjoy dancing to the music of the Swampfitties (formerly known as the Bonnie Hayes band). Price is $45; advance reservations necessary. Proceeds benefit downtown beautification projects. RSVP to Ingrid Weiss, 456-5574.

Dec. 6th agenda packet posted

The Council Meeting packet for Dec. 6th is now posted on the Town's website at http://www.townoffairfax.org/TownCouncil/TownCouncilPacket/. The meeting is at 7:30 p.m. in the Women's Club.

Volunteers' Holiday Event!

Here is a great message from Adam Neville and the Fairfax Volunteers:

I know we've got a few crazy weeks ahead of us, but how about slowing things down for a couple of hours and joining us for our 5th annual “Holiday Sing Along”. We’ll be meeting in Fairfax, at the Woman’s Club (46 Park Road, just down the street from Peri Park) Sunday, December 17 at 4 P.M. (if you’d like to come early and meet Santa, his sled will be arriving at 3:00 P.M.)

We’ve got a bunch of song sheets printed up, and we’ll have cookies and hot chocolate too. All you have to do is show up and sing your lungs out (or mouth the lyrics while being drowned out by others). It doesn't matter... what does matter is you have fun!

And please join us directly after the caroling for our famous “Pot-luck Party”. We’ll have a roaring fire (O.K., a Duraflame), some great food, and maybe some more singing. Please bring a yummy dish to share and something to drink. We’ll take care of the plates and utensils.

This year we’ve also added Wreath Making to the mix, which will take place during the whole event. If you would like to join this activity, please bring evergreen clippings if you have them (Redwood, Douglas fir, Juniper, Eucalyptus, Bay, Holly, etc. as well as Pine Cones, Pods and other decorative elements). We’ll supply the rings and wire!

This time of year is all about being together with people we care about, spreading love and warmth, and feeling connected. I hope you can join us!

With holiday cheer,
Adam “The Elf” Neville & the Fairfax Volunteers.

P.S. We’d like to continue the tradition of a post sing pot-luck party, but in order to do that we’ll need a few more elves to help out. If you’d like to participate please contact Adam at adamneville@mindspring.com or by phone at (415) 302-6163.

Hiatus

Sorry for the absence of postings for the last two weeks. My family and I took a vacation. We are back now and I'll be trying my best to keep you up to date on town happenings as we come to the close of 2006. As always, thanks for reading this blog and for your feedback.

Fairfax in Flood Zone 9

Tonight the Council voted to consent to join Flood Zone 9. The conditions of approval adopted by the Council included ensuring that the bylaws would be amended to give us a vote on the Flood Zone 9 Advisory Board, providing that the Town has the final approval authority for flood control projects in Fairfax, and ensuring that we would not be responsible for costs of current construction projects initiated prior to Fairfax joining the Board. These conditions were added tonight by Council Members who wanted to ensure that our interests are best represented financially and with an equal voting voice, and that any project in Town be comprised of environmentally-sound and creek and habitat friendly solutions.

New Year's Eve Family Event planned

Fairfax Artist in Residence Shoshana Parry will host a New Year's Eve Masquerade Arts Ball at the Pavilion on December 31, 2006 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Everyone is invited to come in costume as your favorite artist or work of art. There will be fun for the entire family, dancing, games, caberet and food! Win original art - prizes for best and most zany costume for adults and kids. Proceeds will benefit the Fairfax Artist in Residence Program. Save the date - more details to come.

Book signing - proceeds to benefit Town of Fairfax

Fairfax resident and author Linda McCarthy will be signing her new book on internet security, "Own your Space: Keeping yourself and your stuff safe online" at an event this Friday, November 17th from 5-8 p.m. at the Tiki Lounge at 19 Broadway, Fairfax. The book provides an introduction to internet security from a teen point of view and also provides information for parents who want to know how to keep their home networks safe.

Profits from the book signing will be donated to the Town of Fairfax. Thank you, Linda!

Update on Public Works Projects

Public Works Director Debra Sue Johnson has provided the following update on our projects:

• Forrest Avenue Retaining Wall and Bank Stabilization: This project has been completed.

• Manor Circle Safe Routes to School and SFDB Sidewalk (Marin Rd to Olema): Bauman/McGuire & Hester will begin construction this week on the Manor Circle SR2S project. Construction of the sidewalk from Marin Road east to Olema Road will require changes to the striping on SFDB to allow for a safe construction zone. It will not impact vehicle traffic. This will impact the on-street parking for the few (seven+/-) homes on the north side of SFDB near the San Miguel intersection. It will also require eastbound bike traffic to be detoured at Marin Road to Olema. Signage and striping should be clear to the users.

• Scenic Road Retaining Wall: Maggiora & Ghilotti will begin construction on this retaining wall on Monday. This will require that Scenic Rd be closed to through traffic near 185 Scenic and traffic to be detoured on Tamalpais during working hours. There may be some confusion during the first few days; however, the drilling rig needs access.

• Measure K: Beginning the week of the 20th, Scenic and Tamalpais Roads will have pavement section repairs (digouts) completed by McLellan Co. This is the first phase of the next Measure K projects. Due to the severe deterioration of Scenic and Tamalpais we are making these repairs to provide safe travel by bicycles and vehicles over the next few winter months until we bid the overlay project in February. This will also require road closures and detours on Scenic and Tamaplais Roads. Traffic control and signage will be in place before construction. Notices will be mailed to the neighborhood. She is working with our new engineering firm, Ken Hall of CSW/Stuber-Stroeh, on a complete assessment of the remaining Measure K projects for prioritization and scheduling over the next three fiscal years. She will be scheduling a Measure K oversight committee meeting later this month.

• Glen Drive Culvert: The temporary bank stabilization design is 95% and will be ready for an informal bid soon. This project is being constructed to protect private property (Village West) from further damage and erosion over the winter months while we continue with the permanent design work and regulatory permitting to replace the damaged culvert outfall at SFDB. (FEMA project)

• Mono Alley (1-21 Bolinas Avenue): The design of the re-routing of the drainage network that currently runs under these downtown businesses is 95% complete. We will be constructing a new drainage line down Mono Alley from Bolinas to Pacheco. We are expecting to be able to issue an informal bid next week.

• Sandbags: Maria Baird, Community Resources Coordinator, has successfully organized a group of Sir Francis Drake High students to volunteer to fill sandbags for the Town. They will be here on Wednesday morning! Thanks Maria!

• The new stop sign was installed at Iron Springs Road this past Thursday.

Public Workshop - Bike and Ped Plan Updates

Tonight, November 13th at 7:00 p.m., the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) will be hosting a workshop to discuss the update to bicycle and pedestrian master plans throughout the County. The meeting tonight is specifically for Fairfax, San Anselmo, Ross, Larkspur, Greenbrae and San Rafael. The meeting will be held at the San Rafael Community Center at 618 B Street.

Click on the attached flyer to enlarge.

Flood Zone 9 meeting on Wednesday

A special Council meeting has been called for Wed., Nov. 15th at 7:30 p.m. for the purpose of considering joining Flood Zone 9. Your participation in the meeting is welcomed. You may view the staff report here http://www.town-of-fairfax.org/TownCouncil/TownCouncilPacket/11-15-06%20FZ9%20fullrpt.pdf

Reflections on what I do for a living

Today, I participated in a speaking panel for the Municipal Management Association of Northern California (MMANC). Along with two other city/county managers, I was asked to provide encouragement and insight to those who are starting their career or seeking to advance to the next level of their career in municipal government. I chose to speak of the values that drove me to this line of work. I have condensed my remarks here for you, in the hopes of giving you some insight as to my motivation for being here in Fairfax and serving you in this role.

I grew up in a small urban blue collar pocket of L.A.; my father came to this country as a political refugee of the Hungarian revolution in the 50s. That’s important to note as it helped frame the value I place on democracy and our democratic processes and institutions. My father worked as a skilled laborer, and I was the first in my family to earn a college degree. He frequently shared stories with me about the governing systems in Eastern Europe that were inequitable and undemocratic, and I was at a young age determined to be a part of making our own country a better place to live and a place of even greater equity.

I am asked questions pretty frequently relating to my choices I’ve made in my career, somewhat because I think it is still somewhat of an anomaly for a younger woman with young children to become a city manager.

What brought me to the city government profession?

I like working for the form of government that is closest to the people. I get a great deal of enjoyment out of being able to affect the day to day lives of people. Furthermore, one of the reasons I chose the public sector because it seemed to me that minorities and women could advance more rapidly based on merit not on the good old boys network, or what social status you were born into (because I knew I did not have that going for me). For the most part, this has held true. I have found the public sector merit system, while not without flaws, to be fair and equitable overall.

Why did I choose to become a city manager?

My motivation was to live my values in the city management field, the values that keep me working in the public sector. As I progressed in my career, the values that I hold dear were becoming more and more clear to me, and two in particular:

1. The value of service –As the manager, for me that is the opportunity to put into practice each day my strong belief in customer service by doing what I can to make government more responsive to its residents.

2. The value of representative self-government; democracy – As the manager, I am able to serve elected representatives by giving them the best information and the tools they need to do the best job that they can. In this way, I think I play an important role in helping a community govern itself.

When I looked at all of the jobs available in local government, I knew right away that the position of city manager was where I could live those values and advance those values most strongly, and have the maximum impact on a community. And in the end, enhance my own sense of personal satisfaction and happiness.

I strongly believe that if you are in this business for the right reasons, it’s not about you. As you move up it in the city management profession, it becomes less and less about you and more about helping others and helping a community. It’s about making your community successful, helping your council be successful individually and as a group, and helping your staff be successful. And if you’ve got all of those going for you, then you will be a success.

I encourage you to reflect on what values draw you to the work that you do, and think about what type of position will help you best live those values in your everyday work. For me, being a city manager is where the rubber meets the road and where I have the privilege of putting my values to work everyday and impacting the community and impacting the organization in a positive way. The experience with Fairfax so far has been immensely fulfilling for me.

San Jose de Apartado, Colombia, Sister City Peace Community

On Saturday night, the Town co-sponsored a reception for Renato Areiza, who is on the Council of San Jose de Apartado, Colombia, and visited Fairfax as part of our sister city outreach. About 65 people were in attendance. Vice Mayor Larry Bragman explained his recent trip there and we viewed a film that showed in vivid detail the resolve of this peace community which refuses to take a side in the civil war between the military forces and the guerrillas. Taking part in this program reminded me of how blessed we are in Marin to live in a peaceful community where people's rights are respected and protected even though we may disagree. The issues we debate seem small in comparison to people who are resolved to live in peace even though they are risking their lives. We are privileged here to be able to debate issues that are at a higher level than the basics of ordinary living that we take for granted. The event made me pause and be thankful for all we have.

CERT training

Here are a few photos from the Central Marin CERT program which concluded its last class of about 20 people on Saturday. The class was made up of residents of Fairfax (3), San Anselmo, Larkspur, Ross and Corte Madera. Among the things we learned was how to use a fire extinguisher and how to conduct light search and rescue after an earthquake. Here in the photo you see some class attendees learning how to lift a portion of a collapsed building off of a victim. The 2007 CERT class schedule has been posted at http://www.town-of-fairfax.org/News/CERT_2007.pdf

Thanks to our Volunteers

One of the wonderful things that makes Fairfax an exceptional community is its spirit of volunteerism. I knew that the Fairfax Volunteers were an important part of our town when I came on board, but as I have had the fortunate opportunity to experience the remarkable things this group has done for our community this past year, my sense of respect and awe for these community builders has really grown. From last week's creek clean-up to the awesome town-wide picnic they sponsored in September, to yesterday's haunted house and back to the enormous help they were to the town during and after the flood, the Fairfax Volunteers augment our community in ways our town government is unable. While the municipality of our 30 employees busily balance the many hats we wear to keep the basic mechanics of this town running, the Fairfax Volunteers are able to muster the help of hundreds of community members who are truly the icing on our cake, each in some way answering a call to help fill a need. I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks for the tremendous organizing talents of the Fairfax Volunteers group and to the network of town residents who willingly pitch in on worthwhile projects all year long. There is no greater compliment nor stronger expression of love for one’s community than to so eagerly and generously give of one’s time and talents for the betterment of the whole. The robust spirit of volunteerism in Fairfax is what enables our small community to accomplish many great things. I salute each and every person who has helped our town in some way this year. Thank you.

The rainy season is here. What has the Town done to prepare for the possibility of another flood?

Since January, the Town of Fairfax has actively taken many steps to address the risk of flooding. Some of the actions taken are short-term and some are aimed toward long-term systemic solutions. Here is a list:

• Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program: The Town of Fairfax, along with San Anselmo, Ross, Larkspur and the County, have joined together under the leadership of Supervisor Hal Brown on the first-ever watershed-wide approach to flood mitigation and creek restoration solutions to protect all of the Ross Valley from the threat of flooding. Fairfax Council Members Lew Tremaine and David Weinsoff serve on the elected officials committee which is advising the Watershed effort, our Public Works Director Debra Sue Johnson serves on the Technical Working Group, and I serve on the Financial Working Group. Each committee complements the work of the entire effort by focusing on key areas to make the watershed-wide approach as successful as possible.
• The Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program staff, along with town staff, walked the major creeks in Fairfax and identified the sources of potential debris jams and key constrictions. This information is critical to understanding the long-term work that needs to be done such as raising bridges and culvert replacement.
• The Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program was granted $100,000 from the California Coastal Conservancy which is enabling the creation of a computerized hydraulic model of the Ross Valley Watershed. The model will serve as a predictive tool that will help determine which flood protection projects should be completed first to achieve the most reductions in flooding.
• A creek-wide clearing and clean-up took place in September, accomplished through the joint efforts of the Marin Conservation Corps, the towns, and the County. Items which could cause major blockages this winter such as debris, overgrown vegetation, and branches were removed from the creeks. This was followed-up in Fairfax by the annual Creek Clean-up coordinated by the Fairfax Volunteers in October, where more trash and debris was removed.
• Thanks to a grant from Supervisor Hal Brown, the Town has entered into a contract for the installation of a siren emergency warning system, which would serve as an audible alarm system to warn residents of impending disasters such as flood or fire. The installation of the first of three sirens is scheduled to take place in January 2007.
• The Town’s supply of sandbags, available to residents, is being replenished and a new sandbag-filling apparatus is being installed. The location of the sand, sandbags, and machine will be located in the same place as last year, the parking lot below the Pavilion. In addition, as they did in the spring, Drake High students will be helping to fill sandbags as a community service project in November, so that we will have a supply of pre-filled sandbags readily available for our residents.
• The Town is participating in the home elevation program through FEMA, and residents who live in the flood plain and have flood insurance are eligible to apply for a FEMA grant to assist with raising their homes. Eligible residents were notified of the program, and if awarded, the grant would cover up to 75% of the cost for those property owners who are participating in the grant.
• A brochure, “Protecting Yourself and Your Property Against Flooding,” has been created with flood safety tips. The brochure is available at Town Hall, the Police Department, and is posted on the home page of the Town’s website at www.townoffairfax.org.
• The Telephonic Emergency Notification System (TENS) through the County of Marin has been improved and the system is available for the Town to use to broadcast an emergency telephone message to a wide area of residences and businesses in the event of flooding.
• A volunteer Creek Monitoring Working Group was formed, with Fairfax residents serving in the role of creek monitors and providing information to the Town when creek waters rise to threatening levels.
• The Town’s Citizens’ Disaster Council was reactivated, and is focusing on how residents can be better prepared for disasters such as flood and fire.
• The Town is actively engaged in promoting Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) through a newly revitalized Central Marin CERT program. The Town, through a grant from Supervisor Hal Brown, is providing a $30 refund to any resident who completes a CERT course.
• The Town created a disaster preparedness web page linked off of the home page of the Town’s website at www.townoffairfax.org.
• The Town has scheduled a special meeting for November 15^th at 7:30 p.m. in the Women’s Club for the purpose of considering whether to join Flood Control District Zone 9. Flood Zone 9 is an existing governmental entity which could serve as a financing mechanism for flood control and environmental restoration efforts. Your participation is encouraged at this special meeting.

Since January, many hours of Town staff time have been devoted to both recovering from the New Year’s Eve flood disaster, and in preparing for this winter’s storm season. For more information, see www.rossvalleywatershed.org, or contact me at 458-2345.

CERT Training schedule for 2007

Central Marin Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) has set its training class schedule for 2007, found here http://www.town-of-fairfax.org/News/CERT_2007.pdf.

I took the first segment of the class on Saturday and I will complete the remainder this Saturday, November 4th. I recommend the course if you wish to be prepared to handle disasters and emergencies. You will learn about home safety, assessing potential hazards, disaster triage techniques and what to do when disaster strikes. The information is useful if you wish to set up a neighborhood emergency response team, or if you simply wish to become more prepared to help yourself and your family.

Bring your kids to the Trick or Treat Parade!

The Downtown Fairfax Halloween Trick or Treat Parade will take place on Tuesday, October 31st at 5 p.m., beginning at the Fairfax Movie Theater. Merchants will be open late to give out candy. Free glow necklaces to all participants! Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

Strategic Planning & Economic Development

At its October 21st strategic planning session, the Town Council decided that the new Economic Development Advisory Committee would be folded into the strategic planning effort by holding the Economic Committee meetings during the next three strategic planning meetings. The purpose of this approach is to take advantage of the fresh ideas and input of the Economic Committee and integrate that into the draft strategic financial plan. The Council brainstormed the following issues for the Economic Development Advisory Committee to consider:

• Come up with an implementable plan to increase Town revenue
• How can we increase sales tax and property tax revenue
• How to make the most of underperforming assets in the community
• How to increase business in the downtown area
• Audit of business license revenue to ensure all businesses are paying
• How can we attract businesses that are commensurate with our style of town and those which have the capacity for success
• Future economic development in Fairfax

The next Town Council Strategic Planning/Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting will be held on Saturday, November 18^th at 9 a.m. in the Women’s Club.

Reminder from Ross Valley Fire

The Ross Valley Fire Department would like to remind everyone that as you change your clocks back this weekend, change the batteries in your smoke detectors!

When changing the batteries, it is recommended to use lithium batteries as they have a longer life then regular alkaline batteries.

A few tips about smoke detectors:

• Install a working smoke alarm on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms.

• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month.

• Mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings (remember, smoke rises). Ceiling mounted alarms should be installed at least four inches away from the nearest wall; wall-mounted alarms should be installed four to 12 inches away from the ceiling.

• If you have ceilings that are pitched, install the alarm near the ceiling's highest point.

• Don't install smoke alarms near windows, doors, or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation.

• Never paint smoke alarms. Paint, stickers, or other decorations could keep the alarms from working.

If you need assistance changing the battery or would like an inspection of your home for fire safety, please contact Ross Valley Fire Department at 258-4686.

Thank you Creek clean up crew

Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who showed up yesterday to take all of the debris that you see here out of our beloved creeks:

• Lola Pettit
• Phillip Hoffman
• John Berret
• Yvonne Roberts
• Trudy Totty
• Michael Silbert
• Gary York
• Brijette Overby
• Claire Hadley
• Zoe Levine
• Melanie Peratis
• David Glick
• Larry Bragman
• Craig Zellers
• Payton Zellers
• Foster Zellers
• Jasper Scozzafava
• Sarah Shockley
• Penny Clark
• Dianne Zellers
• Jon Carter
• Holly Dines
• John Reed
• Michael Branton
• Sammy Branton

Our community and our creeks thank you!

Ross Valley Watershed and Flood Protection Project Update

A very informative meeting was held on Saturday regarding the progress made so far on the Ross Valley Watershed and Flood Protection Project. A few hundred people attended.

The following document was provided at the meeting, which gives an overview of the progress made to date. The four page pdf document is posted on the Town's website here http://www.town-of-fairfax.org//News//RVUpdate10-06.pdf

An Evening of Solidarity with the Colombia Peace Community

The Town is co-sponsoring an "Evening of Solidarity with the Colombia Peace Community" on Saturday, November 4th at 7 p.m. in the Women's Club. Vice Mayor Larry Bragman recently traveled to Colombia to visit the San Jose de Apartado Peace Community and he will be reporting on his trip along with Renato Antonio Areiza who will speak on the pledge of non-violence that the community has taken. Music will be provided by Otis Scarecrow and the Film "Hasta La Ultima Piedra" will be shown. For more information, see the flyer.

Strategic Planning Meeting, Sat. Oct. 21st

Tomorrow, Sat. Oct. 21st at 2 p.m. in the Women's Club, the Town Council will hold its next Strategic Planning meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend. The agenda is posted here.

The meeting is being held at that time since the Ross Valley Watershed Flood Protection Community meeting is being held that same morning at 9:30 a.m. (at the Drake High small gym). You are welcome and encouraged to attend that meeting as well. It is a report to the community on the progress made so far on flood protection and creek preservation. There will be a PowerPoint presentation with photos of projects and information on the hydraulic model of the creeks.

Haunted House Volunteers needed

Would you like to be a part of the all-volunteer haunted house this year? Sign up to help the Fairfax Volunteers put on this fun and community oriented event! A volunteer meeting will take place this Saturday, Oct. 21st from 10-Noon at the Pavilion. Click on the flyer to view details.

Community Meeting on Flood Zone 9

A special Council meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 15^th at 7:30 p.m. in the Women’s Club for the purpose of considering the option for Fairfax to join Flood Zone 9. A resolution of consent is required for Fairfax to become a part of Flood Zone 9, which is a separate governmental agency that could serve as a conduit for raising revenue on a regional basis to assist the towns in the Ross Valley with flood protection and creek/watershed restoration. The County Flood Control Engineer and the consultant MIG will be present at the meeting to answer questions. Public participation is encouraged. Questions regarding the meeting may be addressed to me at 458-2345 or lkelly@townoffairfax.org.

Fairfax Creek Restoration / Flood mitigation at 300 Olema

We are excited to report that this project began yesterday, according to our Public Works Director, Debra Sue Johnson. Work has started on the natural creek section of the project. We are still working on the design modifications to decrease costs in the concrete channel section since this area will need additional structural analysis for the bridge work. This project will widen the culvert and allow a greater flow capacity, restore the natural creek bank, and alleviate the flooding risk in this area. The bids came in quite high on this project, but thanks to Debra Sue, she has been able to negotiate and modify the project to complete the major work within our budget.

The future of Albertson's

I am sorry that I do not have something certain to report on Albertson's. A local paper recently reported that a local grocer is moving there. This information is premature as I have been told by the parties involved that there is more than one tenant vying for the site and negotiations are ongoing. No deal has been made yet. Making premature announcements does not help and may actually hinder negotiations, I was told. I know it is frustrating as we wait to see what will happen there, and the Town is as anxious as anyone to find out what new development will take place. All I can say is stay tuned.

Youth & Alcohol Task Force - Oct. 23rd

The next meeting of the Fairfax Youth & Alcohol Task Force has been scheduled for Monday, October 23rd at 6:30 p.m. in the Fairfax Library. All are welcome to attend.

Questions regarding the Task Force may be directed to Council Member Mary Ann Maggiore at maggiore@townoffairfax.org or Council Member Lew Tremaine at ltremaine@townoffairfax.org.

Flu Pandemic informational presentation on Monday

A reminder that on Monday, Oct. 16th, the Fairfax Citizens’ Disaster Council is sponsoring a presentation by County Public Health Officer, Dr. Fred Schwartz, who will explain the pandemic influenza threat, the risks, and how you and your family can best prepare and respond to this potential disaster. The presentation will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Fairfax Women’s Club and is open to everyone. Click here to view more information.

Congratulations Ross Valley Seniors!

Today, the Ross Valley Seniors Club celebrated its first anniversary with a pizza luncheon and a movie showing at the Fairfax Women's Club. Some background: a year ago, the Towns of Fairfax and San Anselmo developed a special program for Ross Valley Seniors. Each month a special event is held specifically designed for people age 55 and over. Activities include organized walks, board games, special presentations, guest speakers, bocce ball, luncheons and much more. In less than one year the Ross Valley Seniors have 75 participants, 39 of whom are from Fairfax! All seniors are welcome to become members and enjoy meeting new people and participating in many exciting events. Here are some Ross Valley Seniors upcoming events:

• Thursday, Nov. 9^th, Robson House, San Anselmo – Historical slide show of San Anselmo
• Thursday. Dec. 14^th, Fairfax Women’s Club –Holiday party and create a food basket/gift for local family
• Thursday, Jan. 11th, Fairfax Women’s Club – Introduction to Yoga; play Mah Jong and other games
  

For more information, contact Dana of San Anselmo Recreation at 258-4669. Membership in the Ross Valley Seniors Club is $20 for one year.

Special thanks to Karen Arnold of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Commission for her unending enthusiasm for organizing and supporting this wonderful group. Also thanks to Ghiringhelli's Pizza for donating today's lunch.

Sustainable Fairfax Announces Two Special Workshops in Natural Building and Permaculture planting

Sustainable Fairfax requested that I post this message regarding their upcoming workshops:

Sustainable Fairfax’s Backyard Class series is offering two weekends in October and November open to additional participants. The first weekend will be October 21-22 and will focus on natural building with cob. The second weekend, November 11-12, will teach participants about plants and irrigation. The cost is $100 per weekend or a discounted rate of $150 for both weekends. Cob is a very old method of building with earth and straw or other fibers. It is quite similar to adobe in that the basic mix of clay (which comes from soil dug from our pond) and sand is the same, but instead of creating uniform blocks to build with, cob is normally applied by hand in large gobs (or cobs) which can be tossed from one person to another during the building process. The traditional way of mixing the clay/sand/straw is with the bare feet, so we need lots of feet. Because of all the straw, cob can be slightly more insulating than adobe and would make a very comfortable house California climate. In this two-day class we will be making a bench that will become a permanent piece of art in our Sustainable Backyard. The wonderful thing about cob construction is that it can be a wildly freeform, sculptural affair, participants are encouraged to bring bits of tile, glass, ceramic and marbles to contribute to the bench. Cob was a common building material in England in the nineteenth century, and many of those buildings are still standing. The Permaculture planting class will discuss the best plants to use in our climate for native, habitat, medicinal, and a multilayered food forest, there will be hands on planting and installation of a drip irrigation system in the backyard.

Sustainable Fairfax began its Sustainable Backyard Class in early September at the future site of its Sustainability Center on Bolinas Road in Fairfax. Taught by Sentient Landscape designers Kamala Bennett and Geoff Hall, participants are learning different techniques that they can use in their own backyards. Classes include harvesting water, growing live soil, composting, mulching, creating habitat, wildlife diversity, integrated pest management, using recycled materials, and solar features in the garden.

Sustainable Fairfax began out of an inspiration to take local action on the global warming crisis in February 1999. Sustainable Fairfax is working on developing a plan for opening the Sustainability Center in the summer of 2007. The Sustainable Backyard space will be a demonstration site for sustainable practices for outside the home. It will also be used for Sustainable Fairfax events and meetings and be available for other local organizations to utilize.

For more information and to signup for the classes please contact, Pam Hartwell-Herrero at (415) 269-0621, pam@sustainablefairfax.org .

Youth wanted for new Commission

Are you age 14 to 19 and interested in participating in your town and making a difference? A new Fairfax Youth Commission was created by our Town Council last week, and we are looking for five to seven teenagers from Fairfax who want to be a part of establishing events and programs for the teens in our community. Click on the image to view the Resolution creating the new Youth Commission. For more information, please contact Youth Commission Liaisons, Council Member Mary Ann Maggiore, at maggiore@townoffairfax.org or Council Member Lew Tremaine at ltremaine@townoffairfax.org.

Creek Clean-up October 22nd

Here is a press release regarding the Volunteers' annual creek clean-up:

The photo is displaying the items cleared out of the creeks at last year's 2005 clean-up event. Click on the photo to enlarge.

Is it a civic art project? A neighborhood yard sale? No, the massive pile of debris you’ll see in Fairfax’s Bolinas Park on Sunday, October 22, will be the results of a satisfying day of clean-up in the town’s creeks. This mountain of refuse – old furniture, discarded toilets, pots and pans, car parts, lost toys – doesn’t stay in the park for long. It’s put there to remind neighbors that we all need to work together to keep our creeks clean.

Fairfax Volunteers invite everyone who loves our open spaces to get involved in this critical annual volunteer activity: the care and maintenance of the creeks and streams that run through Marin. “Fairfax Volunteers has been holding a creek cleaning event every fall for several years, collecting garbage and debris that has no purpose being there,” said John Reed, President of the Fairfax Volunteer Board. “Over the years, we've hauled out literally tons of garbage, from trash to water heaters to old couches. It's astonishing what gets thrown in the creek by thoughtless people. Their garbage doesn't just disappear! It's ugly and it pollutes as it rots, clogging our streams.”

Creek clean-up volunteers are encouraged to wear old clothes, sturdy shoes that can get wet (no sandals please), and gloves. A sense of adventure is a plus, and families with kids over seven are encouraged. Volunteers will meet at 9:30 am on Sunday, October 22, at the Fairfax Community Center/Youth Center, 16 Park Road (next to the Fire Station), and leave for the creek clean-up at 10 am. For more information, call Maria Baird, Community Resources Coordinator, at 456-5652.

Town website?

Is there anything you'd like to see added to our Town's website at www.townoffairfax.org? Please email me at lkelly@townoffairfax.org with your ideas and suggestions and I'll let you know if we can accommodate the changes.

Flood insurance settlement received

Today we received checks totalling $188,163 from the Town's flood insurer. So far, between flood insurance settlements and FEMA reimbursements we have received $772,564, which is approximately half of what is owed to the Town from the Dec. 31, 2005 and the April 11-12, 2006 disasters.

Column preview

Here is what I have submitted for next week's Ross Valley Reporter:

Flood Zone 9 and Fairfax: Years ago, the Towns of Fairfax and San Anselmo opted out of joining Flood Zone 9, which is a separate governmental entity with authority to collect funds and implement flood control measures in the Ross Valley. With the new effort of Supervisor Hal Brown’s Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program taking a cooperative regional approach to flood control, we need to consider whether to join Flood Zone 9. Current methodologies to control flooding do not involved concrete channels, which was one of the objections the Town had to joining Flood Zone 9 years ago. Modern watershed conservation efforts include restoring creek capacity and habitat by using environmentally-friendly methods which do not involve channelization or environmental alteration. In order for the Town of Fairfax to fully take advantage of the regional efforts heralded by the Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program, Fairfax will need to be included in Flood Zone 9 in order to gain the financial benefits of this governmental entity. Flood Zone 9 is able to raise funds not only through taxation - which is subject to a vote of the people - but also by leveraging the Ross Valley’s collective need when applying for federal and state flood mitigation grant funding. At our October 4^th Council meeting, we heard a presentation from the County Flood Zone 9 Engineer regarding the progress made to date on understanding the causes of flooding and the need to make changes to our watershed and water conveyance system to reduce our future flooding risk. Your Town Council has scheduled a special meeting for November 15^th at 7:30 p.m. in the Women’s Club to consider joining Flood Zone 9 through the adoption of a resolution of consent. Your participation in this meeting is encouraged and welcomed.

Siren Warning System approved: At our October 4^th Council meeting, the Council agreed to enter into a contract for the purchase and installation of a siren warning system. After the December 31, 2005 flood disaster, many residents expressed their concern that the former Town siren at the fire station needed to be replaced to provide an audible warning system that can warn residents of flood, fire or other disaster. Our initial approach to this project will be to have a siren installed first at the Pavilion, and after testing, install two additional sirens - one in the Cascades and another at the west end of Sir Francis Drake, near Olema. We will have the first siren operational in three to four months.

It is very important for residents to understand that a siren system is only one component of an emergency warning system. When a disaster strikes, residents need to be ready to tune into their radios and televisions for announcements, listen for a phone call from the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS), and, depending on the nature of the disaster, assemble with their neighbors to check on neighbors’ well-being. In future columns, I will be providing more information on the siren and its testing and implementation.

Grant for Fire Sprinklers in Fire Stations: The Ross Valley Fire Department was fortunate to receive an $186,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. This grant was received to fund the installations of automatic fire sprinklers and fire alarm systems at the Department’s three fire stations. The grant, which only requires a 10% match, has allowed us to replace the Department’s outdated, nonfunctional fire alarm systems. In the case of the Butterfield Road station, there was no alarm system. The new alarm systems include the required smoke, heat, and rate of rise detectors; horn/strobe indicators; and manual pull stations. Additionally, the alarm systems will be monitored by an UL Approved Central Station. The installation of the alarm systems are now complete at all three stations. The installation of the fire sprinklers at all three station is well on its way, with anticipated completion by mid-November.

While firefighters may be more vigilant than the average citizen when it comes to fire safety, on average 150 fire stations burn each year in the United States. The installation of the fire alarm and fire sprinklers systems at Ross Valley Fire Department’s fire stations will significantly reduce the risk of a devastating fire.

Paramedic Authority Meeting on Strategic Plan

A special board meeting of the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority will be held on October 23rd at 6 p.m. in the conference room of the Hospice of Marin, 17 E. Sir Francis Drake, Larkspur, for the purpose of considering their strategic plan document. The Authority is a partnership that the Town of Fairfax participates in along with Corte Madera, Larkspur, Ross, Kentfield, San Anselmo and Sleepy Hollow. Click here for the press release http://www.town-of-fairfax.org/News/RVPApressrelease.pdf

Ross Valley Flood Protection Workshop

The second community workshop of the Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program will be held on Saturday, October 21st from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Drake High, in the small gym.

Topics covered include:
- Flood protection work completed
- Flood forecasting and flood awareness
- Creek projects
- Cost sharing proposals

A flyer is posted here.

Chance to meet our new staff members

Before tomorrow night's Council meeting (Wed., Oct. 4th) which starts at 7:30 p.m., we will have a little reception at 7:00 p.m. for our two newest Town employees, Ian Roth, Finance Director, and Susan Waters, Administrative Assistant. Please stop by the Women's Club and welcome Ian and Susan to the Town, and enjoy a piece of cake with us.

Recreation Programming in Fairfax!

In February 2006 the Town of Fairfax signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of San Anselmo Recreation Department for their assistance/expertise and resources to help develop and expand recreation programming for our community in Fairfax facilities (Pavilion, Youth Center, and Women’s Club) and parks. Working in collaboration with the Fairfax Parks and Recreation Commission (PARC), the two towns are partnering to build and enhance recreation programming in Fairfax. For current programs available, check out the current Recreation Guide mailed to all Fairfax residents three times a year or go to the following web site: www.townofsananselmo.org/recreation. Extra copies of the Recreation Guide are also available in the Town Hall lobby at 142 Bolinas Drive, the temporary Town Hall modular building at 14 Park Road, the Youth Center and Volunteer Office at 16 Park Road, and the Fairfax Library at 2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

Additionally, the Fairfax PARC is looking for input from the Fairfax community on the types of recreation programs you and your family would like to see offered in Fairfax. Please contact Maria Baird, Fairfax Community Resources Coordinator at 456-5652 or email her at mbaird@townoffairfax.org with your ideas/suggestions. The towns are currently working on both Winter and Summer programming so we would like your feedback by October 20th. We are also interested in hearing from any potential instructors on their ideas for programs they would like to teach in Fairfax.

Artist in Residence cup making project, Sunday, Oct. 1st

Message from Yvonne Roberts, Vice Chair of Parks and Recreation Commission - Please visit the artist's loft studio in the Pavilion tomorrow (10/1/06) for a FREE cup/mug workshop with our Artist in Residence, Shoshana Parry. She's there all day between 10am-3pm and gives gentle instruction to us not so artistic types. This weekend is for grown ups, she'll hold other times for kids. The plan is that you make a cup - pinch pot style, rolled, coiled, whatever you like, but it's for someone else in Fairfax. After the clay dries, we can go back and glaze our creations or bequeath them to Shoshana to do for us, then she fires and we have masterpieces galore. Next spring, all of us who created a cup will get one, that someone else made, to keep!

Column preview

Here is the column I've submitted for next week's Ross Valley Reporter.

October 4^th Council Meeting: As I write this, we are preparing the next Council agenda for the regular Town Council meeting of October 4^th at 7:30 p.m. in the Women’s Club. Among the agenda items are the following:

• Presentation by the County Engineer and the consultant MIG on the Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program’s progress to date and the need for Fairfax to join Flood Zone 9
• Request for authorization to hire a contractor to install a three siren emergency warning system in town
• The formation of a Town Economic Development Committee, a recommendation from the Town Council’s last Strategic Planning session
• The formation of a Town Youth Commission, as recommended by the Fairfax Youth and Alcohol Task Force, headed by Council Members Mary Ann Maggiore and Lew Tremaine
• An update on the police consolidation study with the Town of San Anselmo, being conducted by the Peace Officer Standards and Training organization
• Presentation by Marin Mediation Services on mediation services available to community members, at the request of Council Member Weinsoff who is bringing forth a resolution to encourage the use of mediation in neighbor-to-neighbor disputes

Strategic Planning Sessions: The Town Council has calendared its Strategic Planning Meetings for the remainder of the year on the following Saturdays in the Fairfax Women’s Club as follows:

• October 21^st – 2-5 p.m.
• November 18^th – 9-Noon
• December 9^th – 9-Noon

At these meetings, the Council will be delving more deeply into prioritization of goals and objectives and formulating different facets of a strategic financial plan.

Pandemic Flu Threat Community Meeting: The Fairfax Citizens’ Disaster Council is sponsoring a presentation by County Public Health Officer, Dr. Fred Schwartz, who will explain the pandemic influenza threat, the risks, and how you and your family can best prepare and respond to this potential disaster. The presentation will be held on Monday, October 16^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Fairfax Women’s Club and is open to everyone.

Be Prepared in 2007 Calendar Project: A recent Civil Grand Jury report found that the single most significant barrier to residents becoming more prepared for disasters is the lack of awareness and consequently the need for constant reminders about the importance of being prepared. As a means to raise awareness, the Fairfax Citizens’ Disaster Council is working to prepare a 2007 wall calendar with a disaster preparedness message for each month, specifically geared to Fairfax residents and businesses. Ideally, if we can raise enough money, we would like to mail a calendar to each household and business in Fairfax later this year. If you or your business would like to contribute to the printing and mailing of the calendar, please contact me. We are trying to accomplish this project solely through donations.

Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program Community Meeting: The next public community meeting which will provide an update on the Ross Valley Watershed program’s efforts is scheduled for Saturday, October 21^st9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Drake High gymnasium. from Attend to find out about the creek walks and clean up in preparation for this winter, the latest on the hydrolic modeling and creek studies, and the proposed funding mechanisms to finance the many changes needed in the Ross Valley to reduce the flooding risk as well as enhance and restore our natural watershed environment.

Be Prepared in 2007 Calendar Project

A recent Civil Grand Jury report found that the single most significant barrier to residents becoming more prepared for disasters is the lack of awareness and consequently the need for constant reminders about the importance of being prepared. As a means to raise awareness, the Fairfax Citizens’ Disaster Council is working to prepare a 2007 wall calendar with a disaster preparedness message for each month, specifically geared to Fairfax residents and businesses. Ideally, if we can raise enough money, we would like to mail a calendar to each household and business in Fairfax later this year. If you or your business would like to contribute to the printing and mailing of the calendar, please contact me. We are trying to accomplish this project solely through donations.

Youth & Alcohol Task Force Meeting tonight, Sept. 25th

The first meeting of the Fairfax Youth & Alcohol Task Force will be held tonight, Monday, September 25th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fairfax Library, 2097 Sir Francis Drake. The Task Force is headed by Fairfax Council Members Mary Ann Maggiore and Lew Tremaine.

The goal of the group will be to focus on positive initiatives that will give young people in the Fairfax community a chance to participate in worthwhile activities that help them feel more engaged with each other and with the Town. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting.

Lightpole Painting

With paint donated by the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, our Public Works crew has been working this summer to repaint our lightpoles. As you can see from the photos, new green paint is sprucing up the poles which were previously white with paint chipping off. Thank you, Tom Bruce and John Tierney, of our Public Works Department, for your hard work on this project!

Column preview

Here is the column I've submitted for next week's Ross Valley Reporter.

New Economic Development Committee: The Town Council decided at its September 9^th Strategic Planning Meeting to create a Fairfax Economic Development Committee, and I have agendized the issue for the upcoming October 4^th Council Meeting. The Council considers this initiative to be so critical to the financial health of the Town that all five Councilmembers would sit on the Committee, along with a select number interested residents and local business owners. With Measure F set to sunset in less than four years, the Economic Development Committee would provide an important hands-on forum to assist the Council in establishing and promoting a long-term strategic financial plan for the Town.

Nextel/Sprint Neighborhood Meeting Held: On September 18^th, a meeting was organized by Sprint/Nextel to discuss placement of a mini-telecommunications installation on the roof of 6 School Street Plaza to improve Nextel coverage for the downtown area. Nextel brought a 3D topographical model showing the terrain and hills of Fairfax to explain the challenges of cell phone coverage in our area. Two years ago Nextel applied for a permit to install a cell tower on the Fairfax Theater rooftop -- a proposal that was not well received by the local residential community. Because of controversy, Nextel’s objective is to compromise and use lower frequencies well below FCC guidelines.

Approximately 12 residents were in attendance with good representation from all sides of the issue. Discussion included the need to keep the sites away from homes and toward the hilly areas around Fairfax that are not populated. We also addressed a revised telecommunications ordinance which is still at the Planning Commission level, and the possibility of cell site installations taking place on Town-owned land. The Town could benefit from the revenue and also impose conditions that private property owners may not -- for example, requiring that the cell company allow other companies to place antennae on the site. Shared sites could keep the total number of sites down, and concentrate the antennae on Town-owned land. We also noted that the new ordinance could give the Town the first right of refusal when a company comes in with an application for a cell site.

From what was shared at the meeting, a cell site seems possible in or near Fairfax if it meets a list of strict criteria to be specified in the ordinance. In general, the meeting was a step in the right direction and all sides were willing to engage in constructive discussion.

FEMA Update: While we are receiving payments toward some of our FEMA projects, it looks like we will be appealing six projects that FEMA has denied in part or whole. Three of these denials concern Town buildings for disallowance of Americans with Disabilities Act required upgrades. Furthermore, FEMA has not yet approved the project worksheets we submitted on Creek Road Bridge, Cascade Drive Storm Drain, and Peri Park Pedestrian Bridge, pending further environmental review by the federal agency. We have been in contact with the State Office of Emergency Services (OES) Public Assistance Officer to assist with facilitating these issues. On the issue of flood insurance, we still have a $120,000 claim outstanding on Town Hall as well as approximately $68,000 on the Fire Station.

Sunday was a Blast!

Congratulations to the Fairfax Volunteers, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Citizens' Disaster Council for a fantastic Town Picnic and Disaster Preparedness Fair! Thanks to everyone who showed up and took part in the events! Here are a few photos I took.

Albertson's & Economic Development

In today’s IJ, Brad Breithaupt notes that Mill Valley is actively seeking a Trader Joe’s store to occupy their former Albertson’s site. Residents often ask me about the status of our Albertson’s. I don’t know the specifics of Mill Valley’s situation, but for the Fairfax Albertson’s site, the company that owns Albertson’s still has rights to the lease for another 13 years. The company put the sublease out for bid over a month ago, and I have been in touch with their real estate agents weekly, both locally and in Chicago, all of whom have informed me that the negotiations are still confidential and they are unable to release any information to the Town. I was also told that the information could be released any day depending on how things go. A few weeks ago, I contacted the head of Trader Joe’s new market development to ask if they had submitted a bid for the Fairfax store and they said that we were not a market they were pursuing at this time. I explained our demographics to them, as well as my opinion that a store of their type would do well here. I have lobbied and continue to lobby the real estate firm representing the company that owns Albertson's to take into consideration what our community wants to have here in terms of a store, and not just what store would bring the leaseholder the maximum profit share. I want you to know that Mill Valley is not the only city trying to encourage a better replacement for a lost Albertson’s.

Depending upon the particular situation of a city, cities can have limited or expanded powers in relation to the extent of control we can exert on the private marketplace in our society. When land is privately owned and controlled, as is the case with the Albertson’s site (owned by the Friedman family with the lease controlled by the leaseholder), a city is limited in the power it can exert in trying to bring a particular business or type of business to town. One place our power does come in is in the zoning process, whereby we can limit the type of uses in a particular zone to the types we would like to see there, those that are most compatible with community needs and preferences. For instance, sometimes a city might believe that there are too many types of a particular retail use already in place, such as liquor stores, and a city might pass a moratorium on those types of stores to keep others from opening, or rezone an area to disallow this use. The current Town zoning at the Albertson’s site allows a wide variety of uses beyond the sale of groceries.

Some cities decide to create redevelopment agencies to have more control over new development. This is a controversial topic, admittedly, but I just wanted to explain that redevelopment agencies are by law able to do things that cities alone cannot, such as entice certain types of retail development through tax incentives and provide funds and infrastructure improvements to attract private investment. Fairfax does not have a redevelopment agency.

In any case, this is the perfect segue to inform you that at the Town Council’s Strategic Planning meeting held last Saturday the 9th, the Council decided that being proactive in terms of revenue enhancement for the Town was important enough to create a committee dedicated to this cause. I was directed to add the creation of an Fairfax Economic Development Committee on the next regular Town Council agenda for October 4th. The Council’s idea was to formulate such a committee and invite residents and business owners with a keen interest and insight in revenue enhancement to serve on the committee. The Council considers this initiative so crucial to the Town’s future and with the sunsetting of Measure F in less than four years, that the discussion at the Strategic Planning meeting focused on having all five Councilmembers serve on the committee, in addition to community members. This committee can serve as a tool for us as we formulate a long-term strategic financial plan for the Town and solicit ideas and input from the community on how we can continue to pay for the services that we have all come to benefit from and enjoy.

Why am I speaking of revenue enhancement and economic development in the same blog entry as an update on Albertson’s? One of the Town’s main sources of general fund revenue (the legally unrestricted revenue that we can use to pay police officers’ salaries, for instance, to ensure that we have a safe community) is sales tax. Our Albertson’s grocery store was in the top five sales tax generating businesses in Town. Even though most food is non-taxable, there were enough other taxable items to put the store’s sales tax that high up in the revenue stream. Like all cities in California, Fairfax receives 1 cent out of every taxable dollar purchase in Town. The Town Council is rightly interested in what might be coming in as a replacement business, not just because of how it affects the Town’s general fund, but because of how it affects you as a stakeholder in this town, our community character, and our collective future.

Please feel free to contact me with your thoughts on this issue. I can be reached at 458-2345 or at my email link to the right on this page.

Fairfax Youth & Alcohol Task Force

The first meeting of the Fairfax Youth & Alcohol Task Force will be held on Monday, September 25th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fairfax Library, 2097 Sir Francis Drake. The Task Force is headed by Fairfax Council Members Mary Ann Maggiore and Lew Tremaine.

The goal of the group will be to focus on positive initiatives that will give young people in the Fairfax community a chance to participate in worthwhile activities that help them feel more engaged with each other and with the Town.

Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting.

Neighborhood Meeting hosted by Sprint/Nextel

Sprint/Nextel is hosting a neighborhood meeting on Monday, September 18th from 7-9 p.m. in the Women's Club to explain their proposal to install a mini-telecommunications facility at 6 School Street Plaza as part of its wireless nextwork. We received the attached notice with more detail. Click on the image to enlarge it.

New Finance Director Appointed

Here is a press release we issued yesterday.

The Town of Fairfax is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian Roth as its new Finance Director. Ian comes to the Town from the County of Marin, where he has served as the Administrative Services Manager of the Community Development Agency since 2002. In this role, he manages a budget of $12 million and is responsible for all accounting, payroll and administrative aspects of a 90 member department. His prior positions include serving as a Senior Administrative Analyst/Budget Analyst for the Marin County Administrator’s Office. Ian also worked in an administrative and financial role with the City of Santa Rosa as well as a grant writing consultant. During the mid-1990’s, Ian served as a volunteer with the Town of Fairfax and produced a 25-year analysis of the impact of Proposition 13 on Fairfax. Ian holds a Bachelor’s degree from U.C. Berkeley and is near completion of his Master’s in Public Administration from San Francisco State University. Active in local civic affairs, Ian has been very involved in the Ross Valley Community since 1994, currently serving on the San Anselmo Town Council.

In August, the Town of Fairfax conducted a recruitment which yielded 12 applicants for the Finance Director position. Today, the Fairfax Town Council considered the finalists and ratified the appointment of Ian Roth in conformance with the Town’s Municipal Code.

“I consider this a real success for the Town of Fairfax to have someone of Ian’s professional caliber and commitment coming on board in this position. He immediately impressed me with his strong skills in budgeting and fiscal analysis, combined with a knowledge of our County government structure and an obvious commitment to the economic success of the Ross Valley. In addition, his history with the Town has positioned him a step ahead in understanding our fiscal condition,” said Town Manager Linda Kelly.

“Ian’s expertise will be a great help in the Town’s strategic financial planning efforts,” added Mayor Susan Brandborg.

Ian is a resident of San Anselmo and is married with two children in the Ross Valley School District.

Ian’s first day with the Town of Fairfax will be October 9, 2006. “I am truly looking forward to rejoining Fairfax; the Town’s leadership makes this an easy decision, as does its dedicated staff.”

The same day, the Town of San Anselmo issued this press release:

San Anselmo Town Councilmember Ian Roth has accepted the position of Finance Director for the Town of Fairfax. At the same time, the Council has received the resignation of Roth effective October 8.

Roth said that when this job opportunity arose it was one he couldn’t pass up, and he realized that it would be incompatible to hold both offices. “I have enjoyed immensely serving the citizens of San Anselmo and I know I will still participate in San Anselmo as a concerned and involved resident.”

Mayor Barbara Thornton noted that the Council will be “sorry to lose the energy and enthusiasm that Ian brought to the Council. His contributions to the Town during his tenure have been exceptional.”

At the regular meeting of September 26, the San Anselmo Town Council will consider the process for replacing Councilmember Roth.

Albertson's Update

As of this week, I have spoken with the Albertson’s real estate representative in Chicago, who reports that confidential negotiations are still ongoing for the Fairfax store site.

Summary of Sept. 6th Council Meeting actions

Town Budget: The Town Council adopted a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2006-07, which does not rely on our general fund reserves to balance. The budget contains a conservative projection of property tax growth at 7% and targets an expenditure projection of approximately 5% growth, very much in line with previous Town budgets. We are moving forward on a number of many important and ambitious projects, some of which I will provide periodic progress reports on in this blog.

Town Management Salaries: The Council approved increases for our six current management positions. Some of the positions were 29% to 47% behind their comparator positions in local public agencies. With the increases, the Town remains the lowest paying municipality in the county, but the adjustments were fair and meant to assist us with retaining the excellent management team that we now have in place. Our managers are responsible for implementing the many projects that you will see happening this year.

Solar Permit Fees: The Town Council took the unprecedented step of adopting a resolution which waives all fees for solar power installations in the Town of Fairfax. Our fees are now the lowest ($0) in all of Marin County. This is a powerful statement of how the Town Council wishes to encourage the use of alternative, green energy sources, to help us wean away from the power grid and also help our planet.

Town Attorney: The Town Council approved a contract with the San Francisco law firm of Richards, Watson and Gershon for legal services, with Jim Karpiak assigned as our new Town Attorney. Jim, who provides legal advice to the Town on a part-time contract basis, also currently serves as the Assistant City Attorney for Mill Valley and Fairfield. Jim earned a J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and is experienced in various fields of municipal law, including land use and affordable housing.

COPS Funding: The Council approved a resolution to renew our Citizens Option for Public Safety (COPS) funding, which is a federal grant that augments our Police Department’s budget by $100,000.

Emergency Operations Plan: With input from our Citizens’ Disaster Council, the Council approved an update to our Town’s Emergency Operations Plan, which serves as a working guide for us to follow before, during, and after disasters strike.

Response to Grand Jury: In response to a County Civil Grand Jury Report on disaster preparedness, the Council approved a report that outlines the steps we have taken to encourage Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) in the community, as well as the work of our newly-reconstituted Citizens’ Disaster Council and our efforts to promote disaster preparedness in our community.

Single-Payer Health Care: The Council adopted a resolution urging the legislature and Governor to support healthcare for all Californians, as proposed by Senate Bill 840, the California Health Insurance Reliability Act. Furthermore, September 21, 2006 was deemed Single Payer Health Care Day in Fairfax, and a community group led by resident David Glick will be holding a rally on that day at Bolinas Park, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Townwide Picnic and Disaster Preparedness Fair coming up!

Join us for a Sunday packed with two great events!

On September 17th, the Town's Disaster Council will host a Fairfax “Disaster Preparedness Day” from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Bolinas Park. See the flyer for more details.

On the same day, the Town's first "Townwide Picnic" being sponsored by the Fairfax Volunteers will be held at the Central Ballfield in Fairfax from Noon to 5:00 p.m. A flyer is posted here.

For more information, please contact Maria Baird, Community Resources Coordinator, at 456-5652.

Meet Susan

I'd like to introduce Susan Waters, our new Administrative Assistant. Susan most recently worked for the San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, in an administrative capacity, for five years. In her position with the Town, she is responsible for customer service, assisting with financial transactions, and helping customers with planning and building permit questions. Susan is a resident of San Anselmo. Please join me in welcoming Susan to the Town of Fairfax!

Town's Solar Permit Fees = $0

Last night, the Fairfax Town Council took the unprecedented action of exempting solar power installations of all Town permit fees. This means we are the only city in Marin County that does not impose some sort of fee on people who wish to install photovoltaic solar power systems in their homes or businesses. We are hoping to encourage the installation of alternative green energy producing systems that will help all of us preserve our environment and rely less on the grid for power resources. Congratulations, Town Council!

More FEMA Money received

I am happy to report that today the Town received a check for $174,000 from FEMA as part of the monies we are owed from the 12/31/05 storm recovery. We still have a long way to go to receive all that we have applied for. We are learning more and more about the federal process of reimbursement as we make our way through the channels of the State and Federal disaster recovery offices.