[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6166508,"mediaKeyId","5415408-0ebc6a302c56da4df4969746a9a9d700","parentId",5415408,"title","Fairfax public comment centers on certified recall, business complaints and community division","audioSeconds",38,"startMs",374000,"endMs",412000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415408-0ebc6a302c56da4df4969746a9a9d700&start=374&end=412","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415408-0ebc6a302c56da4df4969746a9a9d700/thumbnail_374000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6166508/California/Fairfax-public-comment-centers-on-certified-recall-business-complaints-and-community-division","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166508-c3a17bf0d5cd4ba8ae73f1721e1a2bc4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770890236&Signature=akwVU3CkN9geYYNy1oGxGcfKmYHHp9zXoLAZxfB5WI5M8E83xMfzdFHmTln7QlNag7zf8mmYY1rYQB0v29-pj3~Ey9aKFS9BUYblGahnD9M5yDIVu9QeRo2gF0f55LkwTZ8CCJUmLaNzn7wPYMQR30yhpqePtibixmMylx-WPrT-fcKAJTFOkvweEyyji5~Amf7xqYEAh2pfHGGYyt8xYxZbO0wytB9bA0-ygVZs1ZYdG57KRf06IQ~nY700DbSIEi7Yk9utG6wDepbeA9PwAZn1ICBVBNSBmKryYJLbjFhnjfO2oC7SxAf5pLzwngNNpVwcnSiLv1Rpum3mHG2c-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of Fairfax CA","date","2025-07-18T03:31:04.83Z","article","A large turnout of speakers used the meeting’s public-comment period to press the Town Council on a certified recall, business‑inspection complaints, public safety and community divisions.

Council members noted the county’s Elections Office finished its count and that Fairfax received certification of the recall signatures on Monday, July 14, 2025. Town officials told the meeting the next regular council meeting (August 6, 2025) is expected to include the formal council steps to place recall questions on the ballot, pending required notices and procedures.

Several residents reported that local businesses that publicly supported recall proponents had been subject to regulatory visits; one speaker alleged Fairfax Lumber & Hardware and Na’vi Spa were inspected after publicly backing the recall. Others decried harassment of elected officials and of businesses. Supporters of the mayor and vice mayor brought flowers to the dais and told the council they appreciated the work of Mayor Liesl Blasch and Vice Mayor Stephanie Hellman.

Speakers raised a range of other community concerns during open time — from homelessness and encampments in local parks to tree‑root damage from utility trenching and concerns about large proposed housing projects. Multiple speakers urged civility and mediation to heal divisions in the town.

Town staff and council members reiterated the procedural timeline for recall certification and said procedural questions about when certified results were presented to the clerk had been discussed with county staff. The council emphasized it will follow statutory procedures for any election steps.

No formal council action was taken during open time; staff confirmed the certified recall packets have been received and that council action on the recall questions is scheduled for the council’s August meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fairfax Town Council July 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public comment at the Fairfax Town Council meeting focused on the certification of recall petitions, allegations that businesses backing the recall faced retaliatory inspections, and broader community divisions over housing, homelessness and enforcement.","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},6166518,"Council adopts updated Land Use, Town Center and Safety elements; schedules safety review in six months",5214,6483000,11697000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415408-0ebc6a302c56da4df4969746a9a9d700&start=6483&end=11697","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415408-0ebc6a302c56da4df4969746a9a9d700/thumbnail_6483000.jpg","/articles/6166518/California/Council-adopts-updated-Land-Use-Town-Center-and-Safety-elements-schedules-safety-review-in-six-months","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166518-6ea800f34f18fe74d26ecc0b60305634/orig.mp4?Expires=1770890236&Signature=ajw6cVC2vDQk2PRutWIWV4DLVejj3TvXcCkyix-GojO2RyZKOO4p62PyIqd8GrEuaJJdsvv3J74Wjk502CRZoCte4II2c0jtKpOHVKAUZmg25Mpve7nGJqQPHj6HNU5Tl7sVvghqP7b6bjGDvEFZG3UwJQDPs-JK8vtHrxUIN6fW5vfC~JnImbst-VuPhvGUrY-I5nxrsGxHq88iM~5~ovrz-wZBFV5ECmy0ysyR4z-il5j4-g7-yTfAtb2dlGaXbHz5XIhPWTmcYW2o59n8Wa8xIiRkCCaluMeJnHJg-v9YrUdfoL7O1M2LP0KTIe9lK-vISw~yj4I~zmmzU-nrng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fairfax Town Council adopted amendments to the Land Use, Town Center and Safety elements of the town’s general plan after receiving staff presentations and Planning Commission recommendations. The council approved the updates with direction to revisit the safety element in approximately six months for further refinement.

Staff described the amendments as a phase-2 follow-up to the town’s recently updated housing element. Planner Andrew Hill and consultants said the updates do not increase development capacity beyond the adopted housing element; instead they add state-required maps and policies, incorporate the town’s updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) by reference, and add policies addressing wildfire risk, evacuation difficulty, and climate resilience.

The safety element changes add new goals and programs: consolidation of several 2012 goals into an updated framework, a new emphasis on community resilience, and mapping updates that include CalFire’s recently revised fire hazard severity zones, FEMA flood areas, liquefaction susceptibility and evacuation-capacity analysis. Hill said the town used the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority scenario-planning tool to identify neighborhoods with greater evacuation difficulty and that the element proposes programs to increase emergency-alert registrations and study evacuation-route capacity.

Planning Commissioners recommended a handful of edits, including broadening a post-fire recovery policy to post-disaster recovery and adding a program to evaluate potential funding mechanisms for undergrounding utilities. Commissioners also asked staff to clarify references to a now-defunct community committee and to update the number of Ross Valley Fire stations listed.

The council heard extensive public comment, much of it urging stronger evacuation planning, more attention to seniors and people needing assistance during a wildfire evacuation, and clearer links between the land-use changes and anticipated housing densities. Several speakers said they remain concerned about evacuation capacity for narrow, one-road-in/one-road-out neighborhoods and urged additional analysis and resources.

Councilmember Darren Guirangalli moved to adopt the resolutions incorporating the Planning Commission’s recommendations and to revisit the safety element in six months; the motion was seconded and passed. Councilmember Garry Gellley recorded a no vote and several commissioners asked staff to prepare a clean, consolidated edition showing Planning Commission redlines and any late clarifications prior to finalization.

Staff said adoption would not alter the town’s housing capacity beyond the housing element already adopted and that the update preserves eligibility for FEMA and other state mitigation funding by incorporating the LHMP. The council directed staff to continue coordination with Ross Valley Fire, Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority and Marin Municipal Water District on water-supply, evacuation, and resilience steps.","The Fairfax Town Council adopted updated Land Use, Town Center and Safety elements of the town’s general plan, adding state-required hazard mapping, climate-resilience measures and programs to address evacuation difficulty while directing staff to return with additional safety refinements in about six months.",{"_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},6166522,"Fairfax council adopts resolutions of necessity to acquire land for Meadoway Bridge replacement",1642,2468000,4110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415408-0ebc6a302c56da4df4969746a9a9d700&start=2468&end=4110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415408-0ebc6a302c56da4df4969746a9a9d700/thumbnail_2468000.jpg","/articles/6166522/California/Fairfax-council-adopts-resolutions-of-necessity-to-acquire-land-for-Meadoway-Bridge-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166522-0ada2352b2f120c182ea13cefc8c957c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770890236&Signature=nbrh~EJFGME0erHANWdCgMiShvoE3Lu01SRAeBTaHp97L-8P099kEkq7xbFSqetMQZNloQ0DKdgmNIJ6dhJpS5DbRkbbqw0TxUzpcyfw1iQVO-hA14NzAQc6Ge0ViLi25CkU0MViVFNElkwjLc7h1lRWiRWSSI6r35gy6mZ8Ax3WN29g9q2EUz5nh09oRuoJlBRZh8T~3gr87wK8k4CTXjFs8iau-fkghRSB~T9noY8dikP1c3QJY5-ZfFnviyFgtd7DzmXGpLw~goMONe9EC6dkmwfwFJEUwXwYmF3tfrP8eaKCBy-52mvNnBa9GmlujaEmSDgGS8LHCIvfRcbv~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fairfax Town Council voted unanimously to adopt two resolutions of necessity on a long-running Meadoway Bridge replacement project, authorizing the town to pursue eminent-domain acquisitions of two parcels where title has not been legally transferred.

The measures, covering the Hollister property and the Cascade Land Company parcel adjacent to the bridge, were approved after staff and the town's outside counsel presented the legal findings required for eminent domain. Kristen Arnold, the town’s public works director, told the council the existing 1950s wooden bridge “was found to be structurally deficient” and that the bridge is the only ingress and egress for residents on the creek’s east side.

The council heard that the town has secured approximately $2,000,000 in grant funding for the replacement and would be obliged to repay the grants if titles to the needed rights-of-way are not acquired. Andrew Sahlgren of BBK Law, appearing by Zoom, outlined the four statutory findings the council must make before adopting a resolution of necessity, including that the public interest requires the project and that the real property to be acquired is necessary.

Multiple Meadoway residents urged the council to move forward. Jason Brooks, who has lived on Meadoway for 10 years, said the neighborhood has waited “a critical step” for replacement and urged unanimous support. Karen Arnold, a Meadoway resident since 1991, told the council the bridge “is no longer safe and it is not repairable,” and urged approval of the resolutions.

After public comment the council moved and seconded the two separate resolutions (one per parcel) and adopted both. Council members voting yes included Vice Mayor Stephanie Hellman, Council members Barbara Koehler and Garry Gellley, and Mayor Liesl Blasch. The motions passed without recorded dissent.

Council members said the project has taken many years and noted safety and wildfire-evacuation risks for residents who rely on the bridge. Town staff and the project team said design work and grant conditions require the town own the full right-of-way for the federal funding to remain available.

The council paused briefly afterward and said it would return to related items as part of the town’s capital program; staff will proceed with statutory eminent-domain processes and continue to attempt voluntary acquisition and title resolution.

Votes at a glance: The council adopted two separate resolutions of necessity to acquire (1) the Hollister parcel and (2) the Cascade Land Company parcel by eminent domain to enable Meadoway Bridge replacement. Both motions were approved by roll call and recorded as passed.","The Town Council voted unanimously to adopt two resolutions of necessity enabling eminent-domain acquisition of two unresolved parcel interests needed to replace the Meadoway Bridge, a structurally deficient crossing over San Anselmo Creek. Staff said failure to acquire title would force repayment of roughly $2 million in federal grant funding.",{"_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},6166513,"Fairfax adopts fiscal year 2025–26 operating and capital budget, with bigger capital program and preserved reserves",4110,7859000,11969000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415408-0ebc6a302c56da4df4969746a9a9d700&start=7859&end=11969","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415408-0ebc6a302c56da4df4969746a9a9d700/thumbnail_7859000.jpg","/articles/6166513/California/Fairfax-adopts-fiscal-year-202526-operating-and-capital-budget-with-bigger-capital-program-and-preserved-reserves","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166513-9024e063c1f1a28c2f7f649845fe507a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770890236&Signature=AkQSMF-1RJ1M3sFiaHK4nT0ckGZphOess0Gt2cdbW99Ld1g352PHjXy7baNLC81Eim64L5U-VQ1W3-K~CK0swv2QHFsUr2v7GKyvn~JbUfVIpxP1LvkDYayJls9vqQ2gJmj2LFN3wEO9vhQlBJsN0a1L7g0X0Qkxj3l0Cu7h2XvGBPL7EdVq~OMgndMHEYlFef8B1BMSc63FVmA~HUOAaQQC~OUkdiMFvAf62oh2x996ChEzgYxMCrwCmNmlN7tHYLLq24UVkIJIy1QAaBlTi0T9Ew-bmIsvuBooHnXvGqYb5~3QWoFAzXEff5HIkhC4v3QC7u83-cIsnu8fag2gAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fairfax Town Council adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 operating and capital budget at its meeting, approving roughly $15 million in general‑fund sources and a $5.3 million capital-improvement program (CIP).

Finance Director Michael Vivrette presented the consolidated budget and highlighted several changes from the draft council considered in June: the unfreezing of a long‑vacant police position, updated estimates of Ross Valley Fire’s contract costs, and increased election costs related to the recently certified recall petitions. The budget maintains the council’s reserve policy (25% of general‑fund expenditures) and shows an estimated general‑fund beginning balance and reserves of about $4.7 million (roughly 33% reserve coverage).

Key capital items in the adopted CIP include a federally funded Meadoway Bridge effort (previously covered by council action), a major storm‑drain project budgeted at roughly $1.76 million (largely supported by federal ARPA funds), and improvements to Station 21 estimated at $1.5 million (projected to use a loan). The budget also includes road projects totalling about $740,000 this year and the creation of a road‑improvement fund to hold earmarked road fees and impact money.

Vivrette told the council that property taxes remain the town’s largest revenue source, expected to provide about $6.2 million for the year, and that sales‑tax projections were cautious but positive. He noted a prior‑year restatement to record a loan receivable and explained that the town began recognizing a previously omitted $210,000 loan to a housing project after that borrower indicated it would begin making scheduled payments.

Council discussion revisited the long‑standing debate over pavement funding and debt-service choices. One council member said the town should redirect more discretionary funds toward road repairs; others noted the town’s historically conservative reserves and multiple constrained revenue streams for roads. Some residents urged faster pavement work and questioned whether the town should pursue a bond versus pay‑as‑you‑go repairs.

The council adopted the budget by roll call. Council members who voted yes included Mayor Liesl Blasch, Vice Mayor Stephanie Hellman and Council members Barbara Koehler and Garry Gellley; Council member Darren Guirangalli voted no, citing priorities he would have adjusted toward road funding.

Staff said the adopted budget will be posted as final, and any council‑directed adjustments (including grant and loan arrangements) will be reflected in mid‑year updates and subsequent capital planning.","The council adopted the town’s FY 2025–26 budget with planned appropriations of roughly $15 million and a $5.3 million capital-improvement program. The budget preserved the council’s 25% reserve policy, restored one police position, funded stormwater work largely via ARPA, and included higher election costs tied to certified recall activity.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fairfax public comment centers on certified recall, business complaints and community division

Council adopts updated Land Use, Town Center and Safety elements; schedules safety review in six months

Fairfax council adopts resolutions of necessity to acquire land for Meadoway Bridge replacement

Fairfax adopts fiscal year 2025–26 operating and capital budget, with bigger capital program and preserved reserves