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Ross council approves design reviews, adds senior accountant and OKs chamber modernization
Summary
On Jan. 9 the Ross Town Council unanimously approved two planning projects (3 Quail Ridge and Marin Art & Garden Center), added a full‑time senior accountant position and authorized modest modernization of the town hall chambers; the council also accepted a consent agenda of routine items.
The Ross Town Council on Jan. 9 adopted several resolutions and authorized upgrades to town facilities during a meeting that also included public comment about bicycle safety.
Council members voted unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 2,446 approving design review, a hillside-lot permit and a demolition permit for an owner-proposed renovation at 3 Quail Ridge, a project staff described as a 536-square-foot addition and related site improvements. Staff reported no public opposition and the measure passed on a 4–0 roll-call vote.
The council also adopted Resolution No. 2,444 to approve the Marin Art and Garden Center "Sowing the Seeds" project, which includes renovation of the Livermore Pavilion, replacement of a celebration stage platform, small storage structures and site improvements that will reduce net impervious surface by more than 16,000 square feet. Staff noted the Advisory Design Review group recommended the project and no members of the public spoke in opposition; the motion passed 4–0.
On administrative items, the council approved Resolution No. 2,502 to add a full‑time senior accountant classification effective Feb. 1, 2025, and authorized recruitment to fill the position. Town staff said the role will replace long-time accounting consultant Elizabeth Ford upon her retirement; the annual cost including salary and benefits was estimated at $150,000–$174,000, and staff said the current fiscal year budget can absorb part of the cost while the next year's budget will be adjusted accordingly.
The council also authorized the town manager to modernize the council chambers by replacing fixed wooden seating with 40 stackable, ADA-compliant chairs, acquiring six training tables, and restoring the hardwood floors. Staff estimated the total cost at $17,000, of which $9,000 was preapproved by SHARP (the town's workers' compensation JPA) and $8,000 would come from existing public works facilities funds. Council members emphasized preserving some historic wooden chairs for aesthetic reasons and discussed storage and ADA access.
The meeting approved the consent agenda (items A–D) by unanimous voice/roll-call vote, and council members flagged several future items for follow-up, including right-of-way encroachments and a Feb. 13 CIP discussion that will include consideration of bicycle improvements such as painted sharrows.
