Residents urge penalties for incorrect road signage and faster action on overhead electric safety after arcing incident

At public open time, former Mayor John McCauley called for civil penalties to address improperly posted road-closure signage and asked the city to set clearer on-the-ground notices to prevent repeated unscheduled road closures. McCauley said abandoned sandwich-board signs left in the public right-of-way and incorrect closure dates routinely cause confusion and disruption in hillside neighborhoods and that civil penalties tied to signage rules could improve compliance.

Richard Owens, a Country Club Drive resident, described an overhead electrical failure on Nov. 5 that produced sparks, explosive sounds and a visible arcing event; a fire engine responded. Owens warned that Mill Valley's aging overhead system hangs over narrow, historic roads conceived before modern evacuation needs and, he said, "we are still relying on an overhead electrical delivery system that is vulnerable to wind, age, tree conflict, line movement, and ignition in exactly the kind of place where failure carries the highest consequence." He urged the council to consider systemic changes—not just single-pole replacements—to reduce wildfire risk and protect evacuation corridors.

Council response: Councilmembers acknowledged the concerns and staff indicated willingness to follow up, including connecting with PG&E contacts and coordinating with public-safety planning. City manager and staff noted they would connect Owens with appropriate contacts and follow up on enforcement options for signage.