[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6345298,"mediaKeyId","2249339-0f92cda884d6ce97ef6e5859cba30b32","parentId",2249339,"title","Council authorizes $16,500 design amendment for Fire Station 21 project; project estimated at $1.5 million","audioSeconds",277,"startMs",8355000,"endMs",8632000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249339-0f92cda884d6ce97ef6e5859cba30b32&start=8355&end=8632","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249339-0f92cda884d6ce97ef6e5859cba30b32/thumbnail_8355000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6345298/California/Council-authorizes-16500-design-amendment-for-Fire-Station-21-project-project-estimated-at-15-million","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345298-ade7a20c511226b092754fd48cd95fe9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149896&Signature=Xrrae3Eoc9kRCJrPNw6VlyYGwGmJ7Wvs8hVQZ-C3QVeOTYwFeI9k9PlGRYJIPlxQXZ8Tjiub7K9CutVb2mTKz7vqhwXhxBV9bQvuMBLSXyZIby~yVUBgg9fvW1NB13R7o3UnFHyww8D-vDVE-hJm7RmzXdRgwjjBpqGQ8nU1CEEBxNNxsWli895ur5EcpHsz7HxApREH1dXnBQwViBC~ge0etjFMTJy0UYyANIEnsis1TghQV6xr077IY7hrC4rx0gqYVmdvDgHe5Vke~WlkEj8-W56pPJsEju5fOn6eFWHegpi5OdT2-rekQ9H4mf9Dksu8fVw9-9q-of1ObxyDYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of Fairfax CA","date","2025-02-06T20:37:07Z","article","The Fairfax Town Council on Feb. 5 approved a first amendment to the professional services agreement with Fairchild Brahms Design to continue design work on upgrades to Fire Station 21. The amendment adds $16,500 to the design contract and brings the total contract value to about $63,500, council documents show.

Town staff and Fire Chief Dan Mahoney briefed the council on the project's current scope and estimated costs. Chief Mahoney said the preferred scope includes a new bedroom, bathroom and kitchen on the second floor to accommodate additional staffing and to meet operational needs. The council was told that a professional cost estimate places the construction cost near $1.5 million; staff cautioned that competitive contractor bids will determine final cost.

The council also heard staff estimates for temporary housing and operations during construction. The chief and staff said providing temporary housing for firefighters during construction is a significant cost driver: preliminary planning assumed up to about $150,000 to rent and hook up modular housing and pay related set-up costs for roughly six months.

Council members asked for clarity on project management and next steps. Town Manager Heather Abrams said staff is meeting regularly with consultants and recommended the design amendment so the town can complete construction documents and go to competitive bid. Several council members asked staff to ensure active project oversight and to explore cost-control options and potential grants before committing to construction.

Motion and vote: Council adopted a resolution authorizing the town manager to execute the first amendment to the professional services agreement; the motion carried on a council vote. Staff said the project will return with construction documents and budget options before the council approves any construction contract.

What happens next: Consultants will complete the additional design work and provide construction documents that staff can use to seek competitive bids; council and staff said they would continue to seek potential grant sources and will present final bid results and a recommended funding plan to the council before construction begins.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fairfax Town Council February 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Fairfax Town Council authorized a $16,500 amendment on Feb. 5 to the design contract for upgrades to Fire Station 21, stepping the project closer to construction documents; staff estimated the renovation at about $1.5 million.","taxTitle","Fairfax Town, Marin County, California","taxId",72288,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6345303,"Fairfax Festival organizers ask council for modest town support to cover cleanup and children's activities",290,9195000,9485000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249339-0f92cda884d6ce97ef6e5859cba30b32&start=9195&end=9485","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249339-0f92cda884d6ce97ef6e5859cba30b32/thumbnail_9195000.jpg","/articles/6345303/California/Fairfax-Festival-organizers-ask-council-for-modest-town-support-to-cover-cleanup-and-childrens-activities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345303-17d18c27af731f5d7d812d3cd5652d84/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149896&Signature=cb3VPpmUfCwlCH7A6M95G8t~beTjSKGBjIiekUFiv9mVp2Jmv9LkqTjesGNMRH7vgASnprgOxz~UwORksOeoHAGyF18pFSIwjFSXPguIGF1Qr3HgmIBOw70Ur442zdVueuY2mag286V4WADZye63lLrC--22faP3vBZhp0ZMTjn5weO~u1k3WkJRrnWuJ~cF24CKsXRAX9S0Cd3JVcQId1d6cMLoTWTbbCsrMdBVw7Ef6rnt0YE3TJQ66S~1OuFqlCEoLCB4HuYQw-PBPwbaDIdZOj4C0o2z70~0A7ExYiQ69AyeQxo8sLQi0U81n0MeyhhoUwNuoOY6ZcE~K4dUTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Organizers of the Fairfax Festival told the Town Council Feb. 5 the event has grown over two decades and requested modest additional funding to pay for cleanup crews, children's programming and improved broadband at the festival site.

Festival volunteer Larry Bragman described the event as a locally produced festival that has expanded into the pavilion and the ball field and said the organizers \"would like to improve what we're delivering to the town.\" He said volunteers have cut costs and worked with town finance staff on accounting but that operational demands have risen with attendance.

Organizers asked the council to consider modest one-time support, suggesting roughly $5,000 for additional litter and recycling services and a similar amount for children's activities (bounce house, performers), plus assistance with broadband coverage so vendors can process card payments more reliably. Festival volunteers said North Bay Conservation Corps and two local laborers currently handle cleanup; the group pays North Bay roughly $8,000 in a typical year and said that level of service was insufficient this past season.

Council discussion focused on transparency and sustainability. Council Member Guerangelly suggested the festival consider bringing in a professional promoter for future events to boost sponsorship revenue, while others said they preferred keeping the festival grassroots and local. Council members asked staff to work with festival organizers and the finance director to build a clear budget for any request and recommended considering any town contribution as part of the midyear budget review.

No town appropriation was made at the meeting. The council agreed to consider a midyear budget adjustment or to include festival requests in the next budget cycle; staff and festival organizers agreed to return with detailed cost breakdowns, vendor revenue accounting and options for additional sponsorships or private fundraising.","Festival volunteers told the council the event has grown and asked for modest additional support for trash cleanup, children's programming and improved broadband at the festival grounds; staff and council agreed to consider the request at midyear budget review.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6345306,"Resident asks Fairfax to act after years of chemical fumes from laundromat, cites Bay Area air report",133,847000,980000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249339-0f92cda884d6ce97ef6e5859cba30b32&start=847&end=980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249339-0f92cda884d6ce97ef6e5859cba30b32/thumbnail_847000.jpg","/articles/6345306/California/Resident-asks-Fairfax-to-act-after-years-of-chemical-fumes-from-laundromat-cites-Bay-Area-air-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345306-4ef9813b81499461f5f227abde669eca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149896&Signature=BkpvFGV2Wmf~G53Slc4wg938ucOUSw3t2AsMR-vS3B91KYCM4wVDk4GRIU3d~rNE0HnsbcF~OiY9YXswuzZ17nb~ypeHbyGjSZ2gTR6S7G17ULpNg6B40c3WVNZwJ6jSbWxQBmJZli3wOsw9xj8SjOQFdqCtHM2j5xF2BO5Ox8H7C1YQI4QTC04J98FIRprPWfO6eVY5oZAgrj-d2UkPbSsfym4ejQzyLHThrhWXsLT9KTTNhsX4o3-y1mu-THcnvuNYLFPJ7gfJVX3YA8N8~zXiMHBTbs7ZlTCrRhhyB6ofw0lSpdko2MyQnuFOJmAGSj7hNL0IRcJ3GzYIgbq7yw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cindy Ross of Lansdale Avenue told the Fairfax Town Council on Feb. 5 she and other residents have long been troubled by chemically scented fumes coming from the laundromat at Fairfax Plaza and asked the town to enforce the municipal code provision on noxious fumes.

\"I've been having terrible problems from chemically scented fumes emanating from the laundromat at the Fairfax Plaza,\" Ross told the council. She said the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) had previously measured odors traveling as far as 163 Lansdale Avenue and into the Pastori Avenue area near Marin Town Country Club.

Ross asked the council to put the matter on an upcoming agenda and said she had received only an old email from staff and an incorrectly addressed response that did not advance the issue. She also referenced concerns following the town's prior publicized issue involving PCE contamination and urged the council to act.

Town staff acknowledged the complaint and said staff had previously communicated with residents. Council members said the matter could be scheduled for a future agenda item for fuller staff briefing, including copies of any BAAQMD findings and any compliance steps the town could take or request of the business.

No enforcement action was adopted during the meeting; council and staff agreed that staff would follow up with the resident and with BAAQMD to determine next steps and whether the matter requires formal code enforcement action.","A Fairfax resident told the Town Council she and neighbors have experienced noxious, chemically scented fumes from a laundromat near Fairfax Plaza for years and asked the town to enforce an emission-related town ordinance; she said the Bay Area Air Quality Management District previously measured fumes reaching nearby streets.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6345311,"Residents press council on enforcement of park camping rules, seek storage and signage ahead of ordinance rollout",257,270000,527000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249339-0f92cda884d6ce97ef6e5859cba30b32&start=270&end=527","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249339-0f92cda884d6ce97ef6e5859cba30b32/thumbnail_270000.jpg","/articles/6345311/California/Residents-press-council-on-enforcement-of-park-camping-rules-seek-storage-and-signage-ahead-of-ordinance-rollout","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345311-8cbe4c52d181d02251aba0ce4c5c39a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149896&Signature=nzO-OyfierLKoLun2lzgiyoNBi7GCvk5S4Q24OUSreCYTFDh1e0YBhwEDp~bvT-FyEm9xFPwUecHhOcQDalqkuVfnMvV3qjwxXQe7yPQKdPfLGS8os6pf2BF~58-30vjhUsbgg4TdMSbiR9V5xH9EuaQbGxkYayLDzKMrNNHTDw45C9D3RceX~dkbvAc-st1ihjvJQ5RXzQYxXuORfW155TJLxAFsvhes5AOR8JN5cp7ivP5zFrNlVSfQraR7z1jscj2pWZEaNHNZ3yAHClHz43iIQCbqO9zoJeBEgyVv5lWI2ySSkRV1LsL-0GDAvD9ft81N~Ow5mx6zOTXA0FFqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several Fairfax residents used public comment at the Feb. 5 council meeting to press for enforcement and clarity around the town's anti-camping ordinance and related park rules.

John Fox, a resident who said he has been experiencing homelessness in the county for many years, told the council he had been \"talked into signing some paperwork\" related to a potential lawsuit and asked the town to record that he did not want to be part of any action. \"I want absolutely nothing to do with that,\" he said, asking the town to respect his wishes.

Other speakers asked whether the town manager would be responsible for enforcing municipal code in the park and what would happen if required enforcement steps were not taken. Todd Greenberg, a downtown business owner, asked pointedly, \"I want to confirm ... that it is the town manager that is responsible for enforcing the town's municipal code here in Fairfax. And what are the consequences of her not doing that job?\" Several speakers urged the council to hold staff accountable and to make enforcement actions transparent.

Neighbors asked practical questions about logistics tied to a potential ban or limits on camping: whether storage containers for campers' belongings are ready, whether signage had been produced and placed, and how the town would handle personal property left in the park. Multiple residents said they had not seen storage containers or signs and asked staff for updates.

Council discussion noted that the town clerk's office has a role in permitting park uses, and the council raised distinctions between determining code requirements and day-to-day enforcement (police and staff responsibilities). Several commenters urged stricter application of Robert's Rules of Order and the Brown Act in council processes but tied those concerns to enforcement and transparency rather than directly to the camping rules themselves.

No formal council action to change enforcement policy or to adopt new operational steps was taken at the meeting; residents were told the topic would be handled through the town's ongoing agenda/administrative processes and that staff could provide further updates in follow-up meetings.

Why it matters: The park camping/encampment issue has been a recurrent public concern in Fairfax. Residents framed enforcement as a public-safety and property-protection issue affecting park-users, children and the downtown environment. Council members indicated they would respond with updates and possible procedural follow-up in future meetings.","Multiple residents urged Fairfax Town Council to enforce its anti-camping ordinance at Town Park and to clarify storage, signage and police enforcement responsibilities as the town prepares to implement new rules.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6345316,"Fairfax council appoints Linda Canton as town clerk and names Talia Friedman town treasurer",5113,2155000,7268000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249339-0f92cda884d6ce97ef6e5859cba30b32&start=2155&end=7268","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249339-0f92cda884d6ce97ef6e5859cba30b32/thumbnail_2155000.jpg","/articles/6345316/California/Fairfax-council-appoints-Linda-Canton-as-town-clerk-and-names-Talia-Friedman-town-treasurer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345316-0195f45d6509f2143bf97d00fa49ff1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149896&Signature=P9jdY~-kZu5Pjcy3R13yx44L8XC61ZP9qoO8Fa5heemYtMBRGLURHWEY5rJboQOWFvSQlpRTnV8mQN93OiY4r-nPqSN24sPwxe32ihznjHcGGpCRxbJUiBgwViueUeX9SIsgv183w-dJj07MpWSTqhew55TAyA7OUXyKULLMFxErTBON76twxRIYMuwv0EKg4L6OmKyP3uN02q2Hi4ifMNHNzgsW0m10Xj3tBxkFOHYCl6tq3fwagg9Uy89Et5NLZIOi372cjixBNYrbXP5R1FL9XUq8Twox1qUCtD1egIUT0yBAxGE~LhHNGfBGOgb92duIJPRP9EuooAZdR73u6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fairfax Town Council voted Feb. 5 to fill two elected vacancies left after December resignations, appointing Linda Canton as town clerk and Talia Friedman as town treasurer to serve through January 2026.

The council held public interviews for multiple candidates for both offices and heard three hours of public comment earlier in the meeting. After a substitute motion to appoint Canton as town clerk passed on a 3-2 roll call vote, the council later approved the appointment of Friedman as treasurer by a separate vote.

The clerk appointment followed competing motions. A motion to appoint Deborah Benson was made earlier in the meeting but a substitute motion to appoint Linda Canton carried on a roll call that recorded Council members Kohler, Hellman and Blasch voting yes and Council members Ager and Gellley voting no. The council then proceeded to interview and select the treasurer by separate motion; after public comment and deliberation the council approved Talia Friedman for treasurer.

Council members and residents framed the appointments around recent debate over whether Fairfax should retain elected clerk and treasurer roles; speakers cited the town's Nov. 2024 ballot measures and state requirements that the council either appoint replacements or call a special election within 60 days of a resignation. Town Manager Heather Abrams had earlier told the council that special elections would be expensive and that, under state law, the council had 60 days to appoint replacements or call a special election.

Candidates spoke briefly during interviews. Deborah Benson, a longtime Fairfax resident and volunteer, summarized her bookkeeping and audit experience and told the council, \"I believe I would run\" for clerk in 2026 if appointed. Michael McIntosh, another candidate for clerk, told the council a town clerk's \"first and primary job is listed as the legal custodian of records,\" arguing for the office's continuing importance. Talia Friedman, who was appointed treasurer, told the council she was \"excited to see this opportunity\" and cited prior volunteer and bookkeeping experience.

The council and members of the public debated whether appointments should be made by the council or by a special election; several residents argued the positions should have been put to voters. The council noted that appointing replacements is a common approach to fill midterm vacancies and that a special election would likely be held in November 2025 and carry significant municipal cost.

The council did not adopt any changes to the town code or to the underlying governance structure during the meeting. Newly appointed officials will be sworn in and assume the ceremonial and statutorily described duties of their respective offices until the next regular election.

Votes at a glance:
- Town Clerk (vacancy through Jan. 2026): Substitute motion to appoint Linda Canton — Passed (Yes: Council Member Kohler; Vice Mayor Hellman; Mayor Blasch. No: Council Member Ager; Council Member Gellley). Motion language recorded: to appoint Linda Canton as town clerk to fill the vacancy through 2026. (Mover/Second: not specified in the audio transcript.)
- Town Treasurer (vacancy through Jan. 2026): Motion to appoint Talia Friedman — Passed (Yes: Council Member Ager; Council Member Kohler; Vice Mayor Hellman; Mayor Blasch. No: Council Member Gellley). Motion language recorded: to appoint Talia Friedman as town treasurer to fill the vacancy through 2026. (Mover/Second: not specified in the audio transcript.)

What happens next: Appointees will take office to complete the unexpired terms; the council and staff said the town will manage routine onboarding and that the positions are expected to appear on the 2026 ballot. The town manager also reminded the public that a special election remains an option if the council chooses that path within the time allowed by state law.","After public interviews and extended public comment, Fairfax Town Council on Feb. 5 appointed Linda Canton to fill the vacant town clerk seat and Talia Friedman as town treasurer, each to serve the remainder of terms ending January 2026. Council votes followed contentious public testimony and a substitute motion for the clerk appointment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council authorizes $16,500 design amendment for Fire Station 21 project; project estimated at $1.5 million

Fairfax Festival organizers ask council for modest town support to cover cleanup and children's activities

Resident asks Fairfax to act after years of chemical fumes from laundromat, cites Bay Area air report

Residents press council on enforcement of park camping rules, seek storage and signage ahead of ordinance rollout

Fairfax council appoints Linda Canton as town clerk and names Talia Friedman town treasurer