Council discusses traffic study funding after Belvedere declines to add contribution to its agenda

Council members returned to the town’s mid‑process traffic and infrastructure study after receiving an update that the City of Belvedere declined to place a request for financial contribution on its council agenda. Town staff said the town manager contacted the Belvedere city manager several months earlier; staff reported no formal written response and a verbal indication that Belvedere was not inclined to agendize a contribution.

Council Member Nick Farr (who requested the agenda item) told colleagues the study affects both jurisdictions and had sought Belvedere’s financial participation. “I think fiscal impact…there’s something there,” Farr said, citing council direction to seek contribution. Several council members said Belvedere’s participation on the advisory committee remains valuable for technical input even if Belvedere won’t pay.

Council members debated whether continuing a Tiburon‑funded study would create a pattern of Tiburon subsidizing Belvedere projects. One council member said they were “agnostic” about Belvedere paying now but worried about repeating the pattern if similar requests continue. Another member urged taking the “high road” and keeping Belvedere involved for the quality of the product and the benefit to safety and evacuation planning.

Town staff listed advisory group members: Council Member Fredericks, Vice Mayor Wallner (subsequently appointed), Timothy Burr, Sally Wilkinson, Belvedere Council Member Bob McCaskill, the Tiburon Peninsula Traffic Relief Joint Powers Authority chair, Derek McGill from TAM (Transportation Authority of Marin), and two Caltrans representatives. Staff characterized the study as a Tiburon effort that benefits local evacuation planning and downtown safety.

No formal motion or vote occurred; council directed continued work with the advisory group and asked staff to keep the council informed of any developments with Belvedere and funding.