Sept. 19th Council meeting actions

The Town Council held its second meeting of the month on Wednesday, September 19^th and took the following actions:

· Appeal: Council heard an appeal on 183 Frustuck Avenue and decided to continue the matter to the second Council meeting in October to allow the applicant time to prepare and explain the design elements of the planned house.

· Council authorized the Town Manager and Council Member Weinsoff to request the University of California Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy to undertake a project relating to the Town’s current economic challenges and provide recommendations on revenue enhancement.

· Council approved a Proclamation commending the newly-formed Northern California Girl Scouts, at the request of Vice Mayor Maggiore, who serves as the Director of Girl Scouts Save the Bay.

· At the request of Vice Mayor Maggiore, Council adopted a resolution urging the Transportation Authority of Marin to persuade employers to implement telecommuting and flex time in order to lessen peak traffic.

· Council discussed a social host liability ordinance to address the problem of underage drinking parties. Council directed staff to draft a civil penalty enforcement ordinance, find out if Council members can act as administrative hearing officers, and whether the Town can use small claims court as a venue for the hearings.

· Vice Mayor Maggiore presented an update on Ross Valley Fire negotiations with neighboring agencies. The Town of Ross has decided to enter into a joint powers agreement discussion with the City of Larkspur, and Ross Valley Fire has now entered into discussions with the Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District regarding full voting membership in Ross Valley Fire. Council concurred that the discussions with Sleepy Hollow should continue.

· After deliberation on the issue of the American flag display in front of Town Hall, which was an item requested by Council Member Weinsoff, Council directed staff to fly the flag in front of Town Hall at half-staff every Friday. (See next post for explanation)

· At the request of Council Member Weinsoff, Council discussed a proposal to put into place formal rules for selecting the Mayor and Vice Mayor. Council decided to take up this matter again in December.

· Council engaged in a discussion requested by Council Member Weinsoff regarding potential consolidation of public works management with San Anselmo, and decided to take no action on the issue.

· Council carried forward the following items to the next meeting: First reading of an ordinance permitting the use of tandem parking for the second dwelling unit amnesty program (Brandborg); Report from Joint Fairfax-San Anselmo shared services subcommittee (Brandborg/Tremaine); Discussion and consideration of first reading of an ordinance restricting residential car washing to prevent polluting runoff into the storm drains (Brandborg); Discussion and consideration of an ordinance restricting the use of leaf blowers (Maggiore).

· The award of bid for the lighted pedestrian crosswalk project on Sir Francis Drake at Oak Tree Lane will be made at the October 3^rd meeting due to the bid date being changed to September 26^th.

Meeting on Emergency Warning Siren

In order to address community disaster preparedness needs, including early warning systems for fire and flood, the Town has proposed the installation of a three-siren emergency warning system. As part of this effort, the Town is holding a neighborhood meeting to discuss the installation of an emergency warning siren for the Cascade Canyon area. We are seeking resident input to determine an optimal location. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 24th, 7:00 p.m., Fairfax Women’s Club, 46 Park Road.

Resolution urging creation of a bus pass system

At the Sept. 5th Council meeting, at the request of Council Member Lew Tremaine, the Town Council adopted the attached resolution, requesting the Marin County Transit District to begin a monthly bus pass fare system. Such a system could encourage the use of public transit and in turn take more vehicles off of the road, helping to provide relief to our crowded roadways. Click the image to enlarge.

Additional report available

Item #5, the Financial Report for July-August 2007, was not ready for the Sept. 19th Council agenda packet on Friday and it has now been posted here.
http://www.townoffairfax.org/TownCouncil/TownCouncilPacket/

Town Council Meeting Sept. 19th

The packet for the next Council meeting is now available at this link:
http://www.townoffairfax.org/TownCouncil/TownCouncilPacket/

Town Council actions

Council Action: The Town Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, September 5^th and took the following actions:

• Youth Commission: Council interviewed and appointed Jacob Mooney to serve on the Fairfax Youth Commission.
• Appeal: Council heard an appeal on 75 Rocca Drive, and upheld the decision of the Planning Commission to require the applicant to comply with the conditions to require two off-street parking spaces before an occupancy permit is granted, and to require review of the project by the Design Review Board.
• Bus Passes: At the request of Council Member Tremaine, Council adopted a resolution requesting that Marin County Transit District begin a monthly bus pass fare system as expeditiously as possible.
• Creek Road Bridge: Council heard a status report on the repair of Creek Road Bridge. The repair has been delayed while the Town receives the necessary environmental permitting documentation and approval from the State. Once the State signs off on the project, the bridge will be repaired to its pre-flood condition and will be open to all vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian use. The Council heard from many people who would like the bridge to remain closed to vehicles on a permanent basis in order to lessen traffic in the area, as well as from those who would like the bridge re-opened as soon as possible. The Town, in order to qualify for the repair funding of $500,000+, must repair and re-open the bridge to its pre-flood use. The issue of traffic calming in the area of Creek Road will be taken up separately by a subcommittee of Council Members Susan Brandborg and Lew Tremaine.
• Countywide Plan: At the request of Mayor Bragman, the Council adopted a resolution supporting the strongest proposed environmental protections for stream conservation areas and the Baylands Corridor under the Marin Countywide Plan.
• 300 Olema Flood project: Council heard an update on the 300 Olema flood mitigation project which is currently at a standstill while the Town further negotiates with the property owner on the project’s impacts.
• Impervious Surface Runoff: At the request of Mayor Bragman, Council directed staff to formulate amendments to the Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program ordinance and the Zoning Code to encourage the use of permeable surfaces to decrease runoff into creeks and storm water drainage channels, in order to decrease the contribution to flooding.
• Residential car washing: At the request of Council Member Brandborg, Council directed staff to draft an ordinance which would not allow residential car washing in the street or in driveways if the runoff would flow into storm drainage channels leading to the creek.

Due to the lateness of the hour, the following three items were carried over to our second meeting of the month on September 19^th:

• Adoption of Resolution No. 2499, a resolution of the Town Council outlining the policy for the selection of the Mayor and Vice Mayor by the Town Council, Weinsoff
• Introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 723 amending Ordinance No. 721 to permit the use of tandem parking in the residential second unit amnesty program, Brandborg
• Update on Ross Valley Fire Board discussions with neighboring agencies, Maggiore

Townwide Picnic Sept. 16th!

The Fairfax Volunteers are happy to announce that the second annual Townwide Picnic will be held on Sunday, September 16th from Noon to 5 p.m. at the Fairfax Ballfield. The event is a day of family-oriented events, a tasty community potluck (don’t forget to bring a dish!), games and activities, local art in the making, and more! The event admission is free, and food will also be available for purchase (aside from the free potluck). Music will feature the Liddypudlians with a Beatles salute. The Volunteers are seeking sponsors and volunteers. See http://www.fairfaxvolunteers.org/celebrate.htm

Fairfax makes news in solar

Northern California Solar Energy Association recently ranked Fairfax in the top 10 for number of solar projects for small cities (less than 10,000 population) in the Bay Area. See this link:

http://www.norcalsolar.org/local-activism/bay-area-solar-installs-2007-6.html#top10system

Sierra Club's Solar Permit Fee Study recently noted Fairfax as one of the "20 least expensive" permit fees for solar installation, citing our "$0" fee. See this link:

http://lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/global_warming/fee_study.htm

Town Council Meeting Sept. 5th

Here is the agenda for our next Town Council meeting on Wed., Sept. 5th at 7:30 p.m. (Sorry, this program doesn't allow me to sort these pages in the right order.)

Creek Road Bridge Repair Update

After many months of delay, on August 16^th, the Town received notice from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that the biological opinion on the Creek Road Bridge repair project has been completed. The opinion is required for compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Creek Road Bridge in Fairfax was damaged by the flood waters of the December 31, 2005 disaster. The bridge was initially closed then reopened to foot and bicycle traffic only, and then when engineers detected movement of the bridge in December 2006, the bridge was closed to all use and has been closed since, pending the environmental permitting process. The bridge is a FEMA project as a result of the disaster, and all repairs and work must be completed in accordance with Federal and State regulations.

The proposed work is to repair approximately 130 feet of bridge embankment damaged by the high stream flow, to prevent further erosion of the stream bank which supports the bridge. Temporary fill needs to be removed and fill material will be placed and compacted as a backfill.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued 7 conservation measures and 19 terms and conditions in order for the Town to be in compliance with the Endangered Species Act. As such, the Town will need to take various measures to protect red legged frogs and their habitat, and well as protect any bats, pond turtles, and any other native reptiles and amphibians found during the course of the bridge repair.

The Town is working to expedite the next step of approval from the State Office of Emergency Services (OES) in order that the Town can bid for the project work. It is anticipated that if OES approval is received soon, the Town will be able to have the work completed prior to the 2007 rainy season. Once the repair is complete, Creek Road Bridge would return to full capacity for use by vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.

A status report on Creek Road Bridge is slated for the Town Council meeting of September 5^th. We are aware that the bridge and its usage has become a controversial issue, with advocates asking that we keep it closed to vehicles on a permanent basis. We have received many emails and we received petitions last year on this issue. In my opinion, the larger issue that we need to discuss is traffic calming in the area of Creek Road. The bridge closure has given the neighborhood the experience of lessened traffic, and we all like that effect for our own neighborhoods. This was an unintended, but I understand welcome, effect of the flood damage. The Town needs to follow State and Federal guidelines and repair the bridge to its pre-flood state, else we will risk the funding for this project. We also need to ensure swift police and fire access during emergencies. I invite us to have a larger community conversation on traffic calming and making the area safer for the residents of the affected streets, and I will be asking the Town Council to address this issue.

Joint meeting on planning issues

The Town Council is holding a joint meeting with the Planning Commission and General Plan Advisory Committee on Thursday, September 6^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Women’s Club to discuss the following issues:

• Status of Mixed Use Overlay Zone Ordinance
• Status of General Plan Elements
• Pending Ordinances under review by Planning Commission

The meeting is open to the public.

Power Demand Alert

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), charged with managing the electricity grid in California, has issued a Flex Alert for both Wednesday, August 29th and Thursday, August 30th.

Due to the current hot weather, the demand for electricity is approaching capacity. As a result, state officials have called a Flex Alert. It's urgent that you:

- Turn off all unnecessary lights
- If you must use an air conditioner, turn it up to 78 degrees or higher
- Postpone using major appliances until after 7:00 PM

For updates, please visit www.FlexYourPower.org.

New Crosswalk at Manor School

As part of the "Safe Routes to Schools" program, a new crosswalk was installed on Oak Manor Drive at Manor School to improve pedestrian safety. The attached letter was recently mailed from County Supervisor Hal Brown to Manor Elementary School families.

Committee Meetings

Our citizen committees are at the core of how we integrate the ideas and energies of the community in the process of planning, programs and services. Next week, the Volunteer Board, Tree Committee, Open Space Committee, Citizens' Disaster Council, and General Plan Advisory Committee all hold their regular meetings.

To keep up to date on Town meetings, please visit our Calendar on the Town website at http://www.townoffairfax.org/Calendar/.

Debra Sue Johnson Leaves for Corte Madera

We are saddened to announce that Debra Sue Johnson, Public Works Director, has accepted the Public Works Manager position with the Town of Corte Madera. Debra Sue previously worked as a consultant for Corte Madera for 12 years before joining Fairfax. She is returning to fill a very important role for their town and will be working for Corte Madera Town Manager Dave Bracken, formerly their Public Works Director, and mentor to Debra Sue.

Debra Sue joined the Town of Fairfax in 2005 and seven months later, the flood hit. Immediately she was on the scene mobilizing staff and resources to restore safety to our roads and to assess the damage. She navigated the Town through a very trying period of time with our FEMA projects and secured funding for several grant funded public works projects. During this time, Debra Sue also made time to study and complete her Bachelor’s degree. We all benefited from Debra Sue’s talent and dedication, and we wish her the best of success in Corte Madera. Her last day with the Town of Fairfax will be Sept. 7th.

Town Budget Adopted

On August 15^th, the Town Council adopted a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2007-08. The budget maintains staffing at current levels and maintains all current services to the residents of Fairfax. We project continued recovery from the flood disaster of December 31, 2005, and the ongoing pursuit of all reimbursements owed the Town. Furthermore, our budget allows us to continues moving forward with Capital Projects that were deferred last year, and funds the Energy Efficiency Project for retrofitting Town facilities, at $114,000.

As residents are aware, the Town has many needs that we are not able to fund due to revenue limitations, and thus the list of needed but unfunded projects is long. Due to ending some unusual one-time revenue sources, the Town ended the fiscal year in approximately $356,000 in the positive. After considering many important needs, the Town Council decided to use the funds on the following fiscal and physical safety priorities.

Reserves: The Town Council has committed to increasing our reserve fund, which serves as a rainy day savings account for economic uncertainty, reducing the Town’s financial risk. The Town Council has directed the transfer of $141,944 transfer to our reserves, currently $858,056 which creates a new total reserve of $1 million. This is a very positive move for the Town and enhances our financial security.

300 Olema Road Flood Mitigation Project: The Town Council committed additional funding to completed this sorely needed project, which will alleviate the repeated flooding at Olema Road and Village West.

Upper Scenic Road Retaining Wall: The Town Council allocated funding to install a new retaining wall to repair December 2005 landslide damage on Scenic Road. The road is at risk of further failure if permanent repair measures are not taken. At the initiative of Mayor Larry Bragman, a meeting was held recently with State Office of Emergency Services (OES) officials and representatives from Senator Carole Migden’s office, where we toured the landslide on Scenic Road. The Town had appealed this project to OES and FEMA, urging that they provide the Town with financial support for the project due to the imminent public safety hazard and the threat to the road. Mayor Bragman’s lobbying and follow-up has resulted in the OES agreeing to fund a geotechnical study of the slide situation, and to strongly consider funding the entire project. If this turns out positive, the Town may be reimbursed approximately $100,000, which we could in turn use for some of our unfunded projects (described in more detail below).

Bus Shelter at 2525 Sir Francis Drake: The Town Council also committed funding to install a bus shelter in an area near apartment complexes with many public transit riders. The shelter will encourage bus use and shield the transit riders from the elements.

The remaining list of unfunded projects was long, and the Town Council has prioritized the following projects, to be funded when and if additional monies become available:

1. Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan.
2. Consultant for Noise Element of the General Plan.
3. Widened driveway curb cuts on Sir Francis Drake for the five residences impacted by the new sidewalk across from the Manor bridge.

Prop. 1B Funding: The Proposition 1B State bond funding approved by the voters in November 2006 is minimally estimated at $400,000 for Fairfax. The State has not yet decided which fiscal year(s) the funds will be allocated. The allowed uses of these funds include: repair and maintenance of existing road and drainage infrastructure that does not currently have a dedicated revenue source; traffic safety projects; and use as a local match to obtain State and/or Federal transportation funds for similar purposes. As the funding becomes certain, staff will program these funds into the budget.

Measure F Funding: In 2005, the public generously approved Measure F, providing five years of augmented general fund monies of approximately $465,000 per year. This funding expires with the 2010-11 budget year, three years from the adoption of the current budget. During the public discussion leading up to the vote on Measure F, the Council agreed to undertake strategic planning and look at other ways of doing business. The Council undertook this exercise during the 2006-2007 fiscal year, which included the establishment of, and report from, a citizen’s Economic Development Advisory Committee. The Council has also been discussing with neighboring communities ways to reduce costs for police and fire services. Because these efforts are ongoing, the Council has not as of the adoption of this 2007-08 budget reached consensus on identification of revenue sufficient to offset Measure F revenue upon its expiration.

Moving back to Town Hall

This weekend, we are finally moving back to Town Hall! As of Monday, August 20th, Town Hall staff will be back into our regular location at Town Hall, 142 Bolinas Road. The restoration of Town Hall offices from the effects of flood damage is complete, but work continues on the Police Station and Fire Station. As we say goodbye to our modular trailer, we look forward to serving you in our restored digs!

Status of Creek Road Bridge

Today, we issued this press release on the status of Creek Road Bridge. Click on the image to enlarge.

Office Hours in the Community

My next session of office hours in the community will be held at the Fat Angel Bakery, 71 Broadway, on Thursday, Sept. 13^th from 8:30 – 11 a.m. I will be available to speak with any resident who has any issues of Town concern, and no advance appointment is necessary.

Town applies for solar energy bond

The Town recently applied for a Clean Renewable Energy Bond for the installation of solar panels on two Town buildings: the Pavilion and the Community Center/Youth Center. If the Town receives the award for the zero-interest bond for $249,000, the Town Council will hold a public discussion on whether to accept it and move forward with the proposed installations. The zero-interest monthly payment would be offset by savings in our PG&E bills. The award allows five years from the date of issue to use the bond funding and a 16-year payback period with no interest.

Next meeting of Disaster Council

The next meeting of the Fairfax Citizens' Disaster Council will be held on Thursday, August 30 at 4:00 p.m. in the Community Center/Youth Center at 16 Park Road. We will have an update on the Town's flood mitigation planning activities; the Town's budget with respect to disaster recovery and disaster preparedness projects; the installation of the two remaining emergency warning sirens; volunteer training for disasters; CERT; and Flood Zone 9 activities. The meeting is open to the public.

Upcoming Events - Mark your calendar

We have a few community events coming up in Fairfax.

The Good Festival is being held on Saturday, August 25th from Noon to 5 p.m. at Fairfax Park, and is co-sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Commission. The event will feature music, environmental and peace oriented activities for the whole family. The event is being put on by a group of young people associated with the College of Marin.

The Annual Car Show will be held in downtown Fairfax on Sunday, Sept. 9th.

The Annual Town Picnic will be held on Sunday, Sept. 16th from Noon to 5 p.m. at the Central Ballfield.

Flood Mitigation Planning Meeting notes

Notes from the public Flood Mitigation Planning Meeting held on July 27th are now available for viewing at:
http://www.town-of-fairfax.org/DisasterPreparedness/Flood%20mtg%20notes%207-26-07.pdf

Third draft of budget on-line

The 3rd draft of the Fiscal Year 2007-08 Town budget is now posted on this page http://www.townoffairfax.org/TownCouncil/TownCouncilPacket/ and will be considered at the August 15th Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Women's Club.

Compass for local government managers

Many residents may not know of the support systems that local government managers rely on in our profession. I’d like to make you aware of the top professional organization for city and county managers, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), of which I am a member.

Founded in 1914, ICMA’s mission is to create excellence in local governance by advocating and developing the professional management of local government worldwide. In addition to supporting its 8,200 members, ICMA provides publications, data, information, technical assistance, and training and professional development to thousands of city, town, and county experts and other individuals throughout the world. The organization is an internationally recognized publisher of information resources ranging from textbooks and survey data to topical newsletters and e-publications. ICMA provides technical assistance to local governments in emerging democracies, helping them to develop professional practices and ethical, transparent governments. The organization performs a wide range of mission-driven grant and contract-funded work both in the U.S. and internationally.

ICMA members are committed to

• Representative democracy
  

• The highest standards of honesty and integrity in local governance, as expressed through the organization’s Code of Ethics
  

• The value of professional management as an integral component of effective local government
  

• The council-manager form of government as the preferred local government structure
  

• The value of international association, and
  

• Ensuring diversity in local government in the organization.

ICMA members strive to be “leaders at the core of better communities.”

I am reproducing for you here the ICMA Code of Ethics that I subscribe to. I hope it will provide some insight as to the values I strive to uphold in the honorable position I have of being a part of Fairfax’s local system of democratic governance.

ICMA Code of Ethics

ICMA members adhere to the principles of the ICMA Code of Ethics, developed in 1924, as a condition of membership and agree to submit to a peer-to-peer review of their conduct under established enforcement procedures. The mission of ICMA is to create excellence in local governance by developing and fostering professional local government management worldwide. To further this mission, certain principles, as enforced by the Rules of Procedure, shall govern the conduct of every member of ICMA, who shall:

Tenet 1: Be dedicated to the concepts of effective and democratic local government by responsible elected officials and believe that professional general management is essential to the achievement of this objective.

Tenet 2: Affirm the dignity and worth of the services rendered by government and maintain a constructive, creative, and practical attitude toward local government affairs and a deep sense of social responsibility as a trusted public servant.

Tenet 3: Be dedicated to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personal relationships in order that the member may merit the respect and confidence of the elected officials, of other officials and employees, and of the public.

Tenet 4: Recognize that the chief function of local government at all times is to serve the best interests of all people.

Tenet 5: Submit policy proposals to elected officials; provide them with facts and advice on matters of policy as a basis for making decisions and setting community goals; and uphold and implement local government policies adopted by elected officials.

Tenet 6: Recognize that elected representatives of the people are entitled to the credit for the establishment of local government policies; responsibility for policy execution rests with the members.

Tenet 7: Refrain from all political activities which undermine public confidence in professional administrators. Refrain from participation in the election of the members of the employing legislative body.

Tenet 8: Make it a duty continually to improve the member's professional ability and to develop the competence of associates in the use of management techniques.

Tenet 9: Keep the community informed on local government affairs; encourage communication between the citizens and all local government officers; emphasize friendly and courteous service to the public; and seek to improve the quality and image of public service.

Tenet 10: Resist any encroachment on professional responsibilities, believing the member should be free to carry out official policies without interference, and handle each problem without discrimination on the basis of principle and justice.

Tenet 11: Handle all matters of personnel on the basis of merit so that fairness and impartiality govern a member's decisions, pertaining to appointments, pay adjustments, promotions, and discipline.

Tenet 12: Seek no favor; believe that personal aggrandizement or profit secured by confidential information or by misuse of public time is dishonest.

Next Council Meeting

Our next Council meeting will be held on Wed., Aug. 15th at 7:30 p.m. in the Women's Club. The subject matter on the agenda will be the adoption of our new fiscal year 2007-08 Town budget.

This week I am out of the office attending a program called the Berkeley Executive Seminar held at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley. It is a leadership development program for local government executives, 28 of us in the class from across the state and Oregon. I am fortunate to have received a scholarship to attend. We are working with professors, practitioners and speakers on issues confronting local governments, both specific to our jobs and also wider issues such as developments in Washington and Sacramento that affect us locally. Some of the topics we have covered and will be covering include ethics in government and what does it mean to do the right thing, what is leadership at the local level, budget strategies and equity in resource distribution, the state budget process and potential reforms, negotiation strategies, problem solving in the public arena, sustainable communities, and leadership and visioning to support civic vitality and public engagement.

Annual Report of the Fairfax Citizens' Disaster Council

If you are wondering what the Fairfax Citizens' Disaster Council has been up to over the past year, take a look at their annual report to the Town Council, which is posted here:
http://www.town-of-fairfax.org//News//Disaster_Council_07.pdf
The group has been working to raise awareness of the need for disaster preparedness and has been quite active since their formation in July 2006. Most of their work has been accomplished with no funding or donated funds.

August 1st Council Meeting

Our next regular Council meeting will be held on August 1st at 7:30 p.m. in the Women's Club. Click here to access the agenda packet:

http://www.townoffairfax.org/TownCouncil/TownCouncilPacket/

Community Workshop on Flooding - tonight

Tonight, Thursday July 26th at 7 p.m., in the Fairfax Women's Club, the Town will be holding a Community Workshop on flood hazard mitigation and flood prevention planning. The Town is updating its Flood Mitigation Plan in accordance with FEMA guidelines and is seeking input from community members affected by flooding.

Traffic tie-ups in San Anselmo

If you have ventured East at all, you experienced the challenge of traversing Sir Francis Drake this week. The MMWD is placing this ad in the IJ this weekend. Click to enlarge.

Road Work

We have some Measure K-funded road work taking place to repair our streets. Here is the notice that came from the contractor, Ghillotti Brothers. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we repair our roads so that they will be smoother and in better shape for you. We have to do this work during the sunny, dry season while school is out.
We are the general construction contractor for the Measure “K” Street Overlay Project for the City of Fairfax. The streets scheduled to be paved are Tamalpais and Scenic Drives and the intersections of Broadway to 200 Merwin Ave and Broadway and Bank St.

The general scope of the construction work includes:

• Asphalt Grinding

• Asphalt Paving

Our overall schedule for the construction work is as follows:

• The Broadway intersections will be under construction on 7/19/07 and 7/20/07.

• Tamalpais and Scenic Drives will be under construction on 7/19/07, 7/25/07 and 7/26/07.

Work will take place from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm with no parking being allowed during those hours. We will do our best to minimize your inconvenience during construction, but delays should be expected. Those residents living on Tamalpais and Scenic Drives should expect delays of up to 2 hours on the above dates.

Should you wish to speak to a Ghilotti Bros., Inc. representative concerning private work you would like GBI to complete, please contact Al Dalecio at (415) 454-7011 X 373.

We appreciate your cooperation on this project.

Draft budget posted

The Draft Town budget for Fiscal Year 2007-08 is now posted on the Town's website at http://www.town-of-fairfax.org/TownDepartments/Finance/Draft_FY07-08_Budget_WEB.pdf

The budget will be publicly discussed this Saturday the 21st from 10-Noon in the Women's Club.

Town Council action from July 11th

Town Council Action from July 11^th Council Meeting:

• Council reviewed and approved the traffic study methodology as proposed for a new development in the DeLano’s IGA Market parking lot. The project is for a mixed use development of apartments and retail spaces. The actual project will be coming before the Planning Commission and Council for further input; the traffic study is the first step in the approval process.
• Council adopted the Second Dwelling Unit Amnesty Ordinance, which provides incentives for property owners to legalize second units. The intent of the legislation is to get illegal units on the books, and eliminate health, fire, and safety code violations, to make progress in upgrading our housing stock and increase affordable housing units.
• Council held a revised first reading of the Plastic Bag Ordinance. The ordinance was amended to provide for an exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The ordinance would take effect in March 2008 and would require all retail and food establishments in Town to discontinue the use of non-recyclable plastic bags, and provide recycled paper bags instead. Ideally, shoppers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags in order to save our precious natural resources and eliminate one more source of toxic plastic from contaminating our environment.
• Bids for Measure K street overlay projects were awarded to repair the following streets: Tamalpais to Scenic; Azalea, Broadway to Merwin; and Broadway, Bank to Claus.
• Received a storm damage recovery update showing that our disaster fund is currently in the black thanks to recent FEMA reimbursements.
• Authorized the annual charity fundraising Car Show to take place on September 9^th. The show organizers are taking steps to prevent parking encroachment in local merchants’ lots.
• Received a report on the idea of using a portion of Mono Avenue from Bolinas to Bank for a public use seating area. Council decided to further consider the issue of creating public open community gathering space in the downtown, and take no action to implement a specific proposal at this time.
• Received a report from Council Member Brandborg on the Fairfax Shared Services Subcommittee, and appointed an alternate to the committee, Mayor Bragman. The next meeting of the Subcommittee is on Thursday, July 19^th at 6 p.m. in the San Anselmo Town Hall Conference Room. The Subcommittee will hear from the Police Chiefs on cost savings ideas and from the Town Managers on potential financial consultants.
• Received a report from Mayor Bragman and Council Member Weinsoff on the very positive outcome of their facilitation of the Canyon Road Sewer District problems. The District has agreed to refund a $500 fee that had been inconsistently charged to the residents in the District. Further, the Ross Valley Sanitary Board agreed that it would pay the cost of reasonable repair to the properties that did not end up with a gravity flow sewer system as a result of the problems with the new sewer installation. This was a win-win outcome for both the residents and the District, as each were spared costly litigation and delay.
• Adopted a resolution expressing opposition to the use of depleted uranium weaponry and expressing support for medical treatment and monitoring of veterans affected by this toxin.

November Town Election

The Town will hold its regular election on November 6, 2007. The election will take place for two seats on the Town Council, plus for the offices of Town Clerk and Town Treasurer. The nomination period runs from July 16 through August 10, during which time nomination papers may be taken out in person with the Fairfax Town Clerk at Town Hall. Any registered voter seeking to take out nomination papers should make an appointment with Judy Anderson, Town Clerk, at 458-2343.

Budget Workshop coming up

The Town Council will hold a Budget Workshop on Saturday, July 21st from 10 a.m. to Noon in the Fairfax Women's Club. Town staff will present the first draft of the Fiscal Year 07-08 Town budget to the Council and the public. When the draft is ready, we will post it on line and announce it here.

Suggestion from the Suggestion Box

The following anonymous suggestion came in:
"Would it be possible to set up a gift card that works at all or a group of the town's businesses. I get gift certificates for people all the time, and I have to pick the place to get it from. It would be great to buy a Fairfax gift certificate good for a bunch of stores."

This is a nice idea. I have forwarded this suggestion to the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce since this would need to be a joint endeavor between the merchants.

Flood Mitigation Plan Community Workshop

We will be holding a community workshop on flood prevention planning on July 26th. See the flyer for details.

Council Meeting July 11th

Our next regular Council meeting will be held on Wed., July 11th at 7:30 p.m. in the Women's Club. The meeting was postponed one week due to the Independence Day holiday.

The agenda packet the meeting may be viewed here:
http://www.townoffairfax.org/TownCouncil/TownCouncilPacket/

Creek Road Bridge update

One more hurdle is over with respect to the repair of Creek Road Bridge. We received a letter this week stating that the California Regional Water Quality Control Board issued water quality certification for the bank stabilization project at the Creek Road Bridge site. We are still waiting for the FEMA and U.S. Fish and Game environmental issues to be settled.

Outcome of Joint meeting on Police Consolidation

On Saturday, June 23^rd, the Town Councils of Fairfax and San Anselmo held a joint meeting to discuss the issues related to police consolidation. The meeting was facilitated by former San Carlos and San Anselmo town manager Mike Garvey, and was also attended by the Town Managers, Police Chiefs and Police union representatives of both towns. The meeting was an opportunity for both Councils to come to a concurrence on what goals are shared by the Towns with respect to considering sharing services for cost effectiveness in both police departments. The Councils agreed that the four most important issues are:

1. Long-term financial effects
2. Maintain/improve quality of service
3. Buy-in from stakeholders - Council, community, staff, unions
4. Explore sharing Town services, starting with Police.

The Councils then listed all of the components a shared service model must have to be accepted and successful. The following ideas were solicited from individual Councilmembers:

1. Save money and not cost more money

2. Equal to or better than current – If more costly, then must be self-supporting, and identify revenue source

3. Maintain 24/7 facility in each Town

4. Maintain/preserve community policing

5. Reflect common goals and beliefs

6. Allow local control by each Town

7. Have the support of staff

8. Fairfax Measure “F” diligence

9. Analysis of the current ordinances and policies of each Town for conformity/differences

10. Analysis to include cost distribution.

Members of the public added the following must have components to the discussion: (1) incorporate green principles/sustainability; and (2) assurance current community-oriented services will continue.

The Councils then listed the following components that a shared service model must not have, which were two items:

1. Must not cost more money

2. No layoffs.

The meeting concluded with the formation of a Joint Shared Services Subcommittee, made up of the following four Council Members – Fairfax: Susan Brandborg, Lew Tremaine; San Anselmo: Peter Breen, Ted Freeman. The subcommittee’s first charge will be to formulate the parameters for a request for proposals for a consultant to study all possible cost-savings opportunities between the two police departments. The two Councils agreed that any cost-savings model with respect to the police departments could also apply to exploring cost savings through joint ventures between other town departments as well. The first meeting of the subcommittee has been set for Monday, July 2^nd at 5 p.m. at the San Anselmo Town Hall conference room.

Town Flag Resolution

On June 25, 2007, the Fairfax Town Council adopted Resolution No. 2494, petitioning Governor Schwarzenegger to issue a proclamation permitting the Town of Fairfax and all other State, County and Municipal governmental agencies throughout the State of California to display the United States and California State flags at half-staff on each Friday of any week in which a California resident, or a resident of any other state, is killed while serving in the California National Guard or United States Armed Forces in the Iraq or Afghanistan theaters of operation from the date of the proclamation until the cessation of hostilities. The resolution was drafted by Mayor Larry Bragman. See Resolution No. 2494.

Ross Valley Watershed Mail Ballot Process

The deadline to submit property owner ballots for the Ross Valley Watershed Mail Ballot Election is Monday, June 25th. You can call the County Clerk of the Board at 499-7331 if you have not received a ballot or misplaced yours. For more information, visit http://www.rossvalleywatershed.org/

Joint meeting with San Anselmo

This Saturday, June 23rd, at 9 a.m., the Town Councils of Fairfax and San Anselmo will hold a joint meeting with respect to the issue of police consolidation. Click to view the agenda.

3 Upcoming Town Council Meetings

As a follow up to the meeting held earlier this year, the Town Councils of Fairfax and San Anselmo will hold a joint facilitated public meeting to explore the issues related to consolidation of police services. A main objective of this effort is to identify potential cost savings for both towns. The meeting will be held on Saturday, June 23rd from 9 a.m. to Noon in the Fairfax Women's Club.

The Town Council will hold a special meeting on Monday, June 25th at 7:30 p.m. in the Fairfax Women's Club. The agenda will include five items from the June 6th meeting that were not heard due to the lateness of the hour.

The next regular meeting of the Town Council will take place on Wednesday, July 11th at 7:30 p.m. in the Fairfax Women's Club.

Upcoming Plastic Bag Ban

With the growing load of plastic on our streets, in landfills, and in ocean waters, the Town Council has decided to take a leadership role in stemming the tide of pollution here at home, by banning the provision of the ubiquitous plastic shopping bag at our retail establishments.

As you may be aware, petroleum-based plastic bags do not biodegrade, but rather break down into smaller pieces through wear and tear, abrasion, and photo-degradation. Any plastic that does not get stored in landfill ends up eventually in our streams, bays, and oceans. Plastics are entering our food chain as marine animals of all sizes can mistake these plastic bits for food. Plastic ingestion leads not only to discomfort, suffocation, and starvation for the consuming creature, but also to hormonal disruption all along the food chain. Worldwide, plastic bags are proliferating at an alarming rate. Over one million bags are used per minute across the planet, at the cost of over 12 million barrels of oil per year for their manufacture. Californians throw away over one billion plastic bags each year.

The Town Council took the lead 10 years ago when it banned the use of disposable Styrofoam containers for food take-out. Now, as the world’s burden of plastic continues to grow, the Council is working toward a ban on the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags by all stores, vendors, and eating establishments. If adopted, a Town ban on petroleum-based plastic bags would take effect in February 2008. Compostable plastic bags would be allowed for a three-year period to help make the adjustment away from what has, in a few decades, become a deeply entrenched habit of shopping. The Town wishes to encourage the use of recycled and recyclable paper bags, and ideally, the use of reusable cloth bags by patrons to all businesses in Town.

The second reading and adoption of the proposed ordinance is scheduled for the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fairfax Women’s Club at 46 Park Road.

Climate Protection Information

In 2000, the Town of Fairfax adopted Resolution No. 2109, pledging to join with jurisdictions from all over the world in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign. We are a member of ICLEI, the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives. ICLEI recently sent its newsletter, which is filled with many articles and resources on climate change. I've posted the newsletter here, where you can link to the hyperlinks in the document.

Resolution No. 2109 http://www.town-of-fairfax.org/News/ClimateResolution2109.pdf

ICLEI Newsletter - Can be found at the bottom of this page - a Word document. http://www.townoffairfax.org/News/

Peri Park Toy Drive a Success!

A Fairfax resident, Bill Johnston, took the initiative to start a toy drive for Peri Park.

You can read all about the success of the project here:

http://peripark.wordpress.com/

Thank you, Bill, for spearheading this project and the kids I'm sure will be very happy to have new toys to play with!

Fairfax Festival Parade pix

Column preview

Here is a preview of my Ross Valley Reporter column submitted for next week.

Financial Sustainability in a Changing Climate: As part of an executive seminar application, I recently responded to the question, “What do you perceive to be the most important issue facing local governments, and why?” I share my response here.

The most important issue facing local governments is financial sustainability, especially in the wake of a changing global climate and the need to respond to environmental concerns. In 1978, Proposition 13 forever changed the way that cities are funded, and since then, municipalities have responded to the need to maintain services in various ways. Some have seen the “fiscalization of land use” impact the character of their communities as cities chase retail developments in order to gain sales tax revenue. Others, like the Town of Fairfax, with a limited retail base, have had to turn to parcel taxes and ballot measures as a means to augment the general fund.

The threats to our natural environment, brought about more aggressively by the consequences of climate change, will mean that more local financial resources will need to be devoted to disaster preparation and response. As first responders, cities must be prepared to react immediately to disasters such as fire and flood. Ideally, this role requires dedicated funding in order to maximize preparation and response. Like most of the Ross Valley, Fairfax sustained a flood in December 2005 that we are still recovering from. Recent research as printed in the Marin Independent Journal explained evidence that the flood conditions were likely made worse by climate change factors. Continuing to provide the same compliment of services that we currently offer to our residents - while dealing with the looming threat of more and frequent disasters as well as the need to take actions to reduce our energy footprint and hence stem the factors leading to climate change – is a tall order for cities. Maintaining financial stability in the wake of these developments is an enormous challenge.

The Town’s public facilities sustained approximately $1.5 million in damage due to the flood, and many residents and businesses were affected as well. We have worked closely with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency throughout the process, and have done our best to comply with all of their agency regulations. The outcome has been that we are in five appeals regarding our public projects, in those instances where FEMA is not approving funding for various reasons. The situation continues to be unacceptable and is devastating to the Town financially. The lessons learned are that we needed to get our State and Federal elected officials involved earlier in the process and on an ongoing basis, in order to assist us with lobbying for the monies we are owed from the disaster. Seventeen months after the disaster, we are still fighting for funding from FEMA. We understand that FEMA is understaffed, but this is a great burden on a Town that already has a very limited budget with little reserves. I can only imagine the lingering suffering of the Hurricane Katrina victims and municipalities that are having to rebuild.

Ross Valley Senior Club: The Town of San Anselmo and Fairfax have 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 that one year the Ross Valley Seniors have grown to over 80 participants! All seniors are welcome to become members and enjoy meeting new people and participating in many exciting events. Annual membership is only $20. For more information, please call Dana at San Anselmo Recreation, 258-4669. The next Senior Club event will be held on Thursday, June 14 at 11 a.m. in the Fairfax Women’s Club, featuring an “Introduction to Water Color Painting” with San Francisco artist Tina Moylan. Lunch is included for current members, non-members pay $5 per event. RSVP to 258-4669.

FEMA Approves appeal

In a letter just received from FEMA, they accepted our explanation for the emergency contract for street debris and mud removal which took place in the hours after the 12/31/05 3 a.m. flood, and are approving our appeal for $220,245!

The letter says “FEMA has determined that with this additional information, the contracts met the criteria for Federal Time and Material contracts. Therefore, the appeal is approved. FEMA will prepare PW 1845 Version 1 for an additional $220,245 for eligible costs.”

They were questioning our rationale for not going out to public bid on having the mud removed from the streets and we argued that due to the emergency nature of the situation, we had to use the contractor that was available and could do the work immediately. It has taken since August 2006 to resolve this appeal in the Town's favor.

Festival Website is Updated and Live!

I just received an anonymous message in the on-line suggestion box:
"YOUR WEBSITE SUCKS AND HAS DISCOURAGED US ENTIRELY FROM ATTENDING YOUR FESTIVAL. SINCE THE WEBSITE HAS NOT BEEN UPDATED SINCE LAST YEAR, I'M NOT ANTICIPATING ANY RESPONSE, BUT THANKS FOR ASKING."

Please note that the Festival Website has been updated and was live as of May 18th:
http://www.fairfaxfestival.com/2007/home/

The link from the Town's home page has been live since then too. Much thanks to Steve Wyrostock for a fabulous Festival website!!!

Ross Valley Fire CPR Classes on again!

After a long absence, the Ross Valley Fire Department is pleased to announce that CPR classes are available once again.

The dates for the CPR classes are (Saturdays) 6/16, 8/11, 10/13, 12/15. The cost is $20 and students MUST sign up in person at 777 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo, prior to the date of the class. No phone registrations will be accepted . Each class will be taught at our Fire Station at 10 Park Road, Fairfax and starts at 9 a.m. The class lasts approximately 5 hours (depending on the class). The class taught is titled "HeartSaver CPR" by the American Heart Association. It teaches the student to perform CPR on adults, children and infants. This class is geared toward the "bystander" not the healthcare provider. It also teaches how to relieve airway obstructions/ chocking in the adult, children and infant. After successful completion of the class the student will recieve a CPR card (approximately 2-3 weeks after the class).

Column preview

Here is a preview of my Ross Valley Reporter column submitted for next week.

Thank You Economic Development Advisory Committee: In November 2006, your Town Council decided to enlist the assistance of the business community in reviewing and tackling the issues of how we can foster greater business success, increase revenue to the Town, and enhance economic development activity. To that end, the Town’s first ever Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) was formed. The members of the EDAC include: Jeff Burton, owner of Bath and Beyond; Fred Codoni, retired railroad company manager; Garry Graham, owner of 19 Broadway nightclub; Leah Smith, manager at Marin Farmers Market; Mark Squire, co-owner of Good Earth; and Augie Venezia, co-owner of Fairfax Lumber and Hardware. Over the course of six months of volunteering their time to this endeavor, these businesspeople met several times, reviewed financial data provided by the Town, and provided the Town Council with their suggestions on how the Town can generate more revenue and augment economic development efforts. Their proposal has been posted on the Town website for two months now for all to view at www.townoffairfax.org, click on Strategic Planning, then locate the item, “Final Economic Committee Recommendations.” The list of ideas is long, and I recommend that everyone read through the posted 5-page document. The next step is for the Town Council to make its recommendations regarding the EDAC proposals and to direct staff regarding implementation of the ideas. On behalf of the Mayor and Council, I would like to publicly thank the members of the Economic Development Advisory Committee for their time, thoughtful deliberation, and dedication to helping the Town of Fairfax in this with this critical issue.

FEMA Appeals: I’d like everyone to know that we are in the midst of five appeal processes with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on disaster-related projects from 17 months ago. We are supplying them with additional justification and data that they have asked for, and we are still waiting for responses on these issues while approximately $700,000 due to the Town of Fairfax hangs in the balance. We have enlisted the assistance of our State and Federal elected officials to help with lobbying on behalf of the Town. Regarding the status of Creek Road Bridge, on May 17^th a FEMA Senior Biologist informed us that they obtained concurrence from the National Marine Fisheries Service for us to move forward on the repair. However, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants additional information as they believe there is still potential for red legged frogs to be in the area, even though FEMA found there to be a low potential for the frogs in their environmental review conducted under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. A FEMA representative indicated to me that they are “trying to speed up the process.”

Town Council Meeting: Our next regular Town Council meeting is on June 6^th at 7:30 p.m. in the Women’s Club. Among the items on the agenda will be the introduction of an ordinance establishing a second dwelling unit amnesty program, and an ordinance banning the use of plastic take-out grocery bags by retail stores in town. We will also have a review of a Marin Grand Jury report on retiree health care costs.

Joint Meeting on Police Consolidation: As a follow-up to the joint meeting with San Anselmo with respect to the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) study on police consolidation held in January, the Town Councils of Fairfax and San Anselmo are holding a joint meeting to further explore the issues with respect to potential consolidation of police services for cost savings. The public meeting will be held on Saturday, June 23^rd from 9 a.m. to Noon in the Fairfax Women’s Club at 46 Park Road.