Ross council approves $85,000 to fund analysis of firehouse ballot initiative

The Ross Town Council voted 3-2 on Oct. 6 to adopt Resolution No. 2542 ordering the preparation of a California Election Code section 9212 report to evaluate the Friends of Ross Firehouse ballot initiative and authorizing the town manager to negotiate and execute agreements with consultants including RSG Inc., CityGate Associates and Mary McGrath Architects and other experts, with up to $85,000 appropriated from the towns undesignated operating fund to cover consultant costs.

Town Manager Krista Johnson told the council the petition seeking to place the measure on the ballot was submitted June 30 and that the town clerk will forward signatures to the county election officer, who has up to 30 days to verify them. Johnson said a council-directed section 9212 report would analyze fiscal impacts, land-use consistency with the general plan and housing element, operational feasibility and related issues. "The item before you this evening is a resolution that orders the preparation of an election code 9 2 1 2 report," Johnson said.

The measure, as described in council documents, would amend the Ross Municipal Code to require the town to maintain an operational fire station within Ross town limits, prioritize rehabilitation or reconstruction of the closed firehouse at 33 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, and staff the station at 2024 levels: at least one active engine, one reserve engine and a minimum of two firefighters on duty at all times.

Johnson said RSG Inc. would serve as lead consultant, CityGate Associates would provide operational and fire service expertise and Mary McGrath Architects would provide architectural and facilities design analysis. The manager said other experts may be needed, and that any funding not spent on the study would return to the operating fund at fiscal year-end. She also noted that town purchasing rules allow the town manager to enter contracts under $50,000 but that appropriation authority rests with the council.

Council members debated the timing and scope of the report. Council member Salter questioned why the special meeting was called with short public notice when signatures have not yet been verified, saying the public had little time to attend a 3 p.m. meeting. Johnson responded that the clerk must submit signatures to the county promptly and that the council must receive verified signatures at its next regular meeting; staff then has 30 days to prepare the section 9212 report. Johnson said ordering the report now gives consultants needed time in the event verification occurs quickly.

Several public commenters asked that proponents reimburse the town for the cost of the study if the petition proceeds. Michael Rosenblatt, a resident, told the council, "It is only fair to ask any citizen who creates additional expenses to the town of Ross be asked to reimburse the town of Ross for those expenses." Other residents were split: Brian Salmon and Molly Gamble urged an independent, objective analysis; Barbara Call and others criticized the council for not meeting with the initiatives proponents and opposed spending town funds before plans were disclosed.

Speakers raised technical and policy questions the report is intended to address, including updated cost estimates (several speakers said the towns most recent detailed figures date to 2019), whether renovation of the existing building is feasible, the operating cost of restoring an independent station, and potential impacts on housing-element commitments and the civic center plan. Town staff said prior cost estimates would be reviewed and, if necessary, updated by consultants.

After discussion the council voted 3-2 to adopt Resolution No. 2542. Mayor McMillan, Council member Kerscher and Council member Dowling voted yes; Council member Salter and Mayor Pro Tem Robbins voted no. The resolution authorizes the town manager to negotiate and execute consultant agreements and appropriates up to $85,000 from the towns undesignated operating fund for the study.

The county election officers verification schedule will determine the next deadlines: staff said verified signatures are likely to be presented at the councils Nov. 13 regular meeting and that the section 9212 report would be due 30 days after that meeting. The council indicated consultant contracts will be posted for the public after execution and that staff will provide the council with executed agreements for information.

The council adjourned to closed session following the vote.