San Rafael Planning Commission met Nov. 10, 2026, approved a sign program for 703 Third Street and unanimously approved an environmental and design review, lot consolidation and density-transfer for 790 Mission Avenue, a proposed eight‑story, 105‑unit apartment building; staff also led a study session on proposed revisions to the city's environmental and design review ordinance.

Discussion Points

•Applicant counsel argued several conditions impede financing; staff explained fee protest process and permit handling.
•Applicant requested flexibility on conditions tied to financing (definition of first building permit, timing of affordable housing agreement, traffic fee credit).
•Commission accepted inserting Gov. Code 66007 reference into Condition 54.
•Commissioners noted design and signage are reviewed and thanked the commenter.
•Introduce minor review trigger for demolition of buildings older than 45 years to screen for historic resources.
•Neighbors raised concerns about an eight‑story massing next to one‑story buildings, shadowing, parking and construction impacts.
•Propose moving many small residential projects to administrative or exempt review if they meet objective standards.
•Public commenter expressed concern about excessive branding; commissioners noted program limits and review control.
•Public commenter proposed adaptive reuse of the bowling alley as shared amenity space.
•Set multifamily thresholds: 3–9 units minor review, 10+ units major review.
•Staff presented that the downtown code lacks mixed‑use sign standards and therefore requires a sign program for the project.

Decisions

•Adopted Resolution 2608 approving EDR permit, lot consolidation and transfer of density; finding CEQA Class 32 exemption.
•Approved the 703 Third Street sign program subject to conditions of approval.
•Commission approved Resolution 2608 with the stated modification.

Directions

•Staff to incorporate the modification to Condition 54 referencing Government Code section 66007 as read into the record.
•Staff to refine ordinance language based on commissioner feedback and return with formal draft for commission recommendation to council.
•Staff will apply the modified Condition 54 language in the adopted resolution.

Nov

Finance Subcommittee 11/10/2026

San Rafael Finance Subcommittee heard an overview of the city's FY 2025-26 audited financials and a first-quarter FY26-27 budget update. The independent auditor reported a clean (unmodified) opinion but identified five significant deficiencies and two other matters tied largely to an ERP implementation and staffing transitions.

Discussion Points

•$500,000 was appropriated from the emergency reserve for El Nino/winter storm response and must be restored by policy through budgeting.
•Auditor issued an unmodified opinion; five significant deficiencies and two other matters identified; no material weaknesses noted.
•CIP quarter-to-date spending (18.2%) reflects encumbrances; Attachment B will provide project-level status.
•Control findings included late journal entries (>45 days), missing secondary investment reconciliations reviews during staff absences, terminated-user access retention, and outdated bank signature cards.
•ERP (Munis) rollout increased audit testing and led to expanded review of transaction cycles.
•Findings tied to ERP implementation, staffing gaps, and process/documentation lapses; management responses to accompany ACFER.
•Net position increased $28M; unrestricted reserves ~ $11M.
•One-time allocations (~$1.6M) were made to address liabilities and assigned balances for capital and transitions.
•Parking enterprise has low cash balance (~$16,000) despite receivables and other assets.
•Q1 shows a projected $5M gap funded with carryovers/one-time allocations.
•Revenue growth from charges for services and sales taxes; Measure P increases fund presentation.
•Staff said the fund is at an inflection point after lower post-COVID activity.

Directions

•Audit memorandum and ACFER to be presented to council on Dec. 7.
•Monitor liability exposures and insurance premium trends; bring liability funding back to committee as needed.
•Monitor parking fund and consider options for revenue or structural changes.
•Staff to present the report to council and provide more detailed mid-year forecasts in February.
•Test new permit and payroll systems in the next audit cycle; implement backup reviewers for critical reconciliations and update signature processes.

Nov

Dark Skies Educational Panel 11/05/2026

San Rafael Mayor Kate Collin hosted an educational Dark Skies panel with local lighting and conservation experts to discuss light‑pollution impacts on people and wildlife, examples from other communities, and practical steps San Rafael could take including targeted retrofits, education, and pilots.

Discussion Points

•Design criteria: usefulness, shielding, correct location, controls and warm color temperature.
•Embed requirements into permit and retrofit processes to achieve compliance.
•Light alters foraging, increases predation and disrupts migration.
•Mayor will pursue education and discuss prioritization during spring planning.
•Panelists recommended prioritized retrofits, pilots and code/permitting changes.
•Panel reviewed science, design and community approaches.
•Peer outreach and demonstration projects resolved local lighting conflicts.
•Pilots and Dark Sky International resources can help San Rafael build support.
•Seasonal lights‑out and shielding recommended.
•Speakers recommended education, targeted retrofits and pilot actions such as Lights Out events.

Directions

•Collect participant contact info via city manager's office for follow‑up.
•Mayor will raise prioritization during spring work plan discussions.

Nov

City of San Rafael's Dark Sky Educational Panel

Mayor Kate Collin hosted a San Rafael Dark Skies educational panel with local experts who discussed ecological and human health harms from light pollution, practical lighting design standards, community outreach examples from West Marin, and next steps for the city to prioritize habitat protection and retrofit public lighting.

Discussion Points

•Artificial light alters foraging and migration
•Case study: fire station retrofit to shielded, on‑call bay lights
•Design checklist: usefulness, shielding, correct placement, dimming/timers, ≤2700 K color temp
•Education and neighbor conversations lead to compliance
•Existing General Plan (2040) includes dark‑skies language
•Holiday lights could have a curfew
•Large nightly migration counts over Marin indicate possible impacts
•Panel recommended education, retrofits of city properties, and permit checklist updates
•Recommendation to include requirements in permitting and retrofit public buildings
•Sports fields should use multiple shielded fixtures and on‑demand controls
•Use motion sensors and timers to avoid always‑on security lighting

Directions

•Mayor to raise prioritization during spring planning

Nov

November 5, 2026 Design Review Board Special Meeting

Design Review Board considered two residential projects and heard a staff briefing on a larger Tiburon housing project. The board approved a design for 407 Hillary Drive with conditions on operable louvers and approved a privacy-screen/variance package at Three East Terrace; a separate hearing (117 Sugarloaf Drive) was continued to Dec. 3.

Discussion Points

•1801 Tiburon project nearing decision by Nov. 23; early talk of reimbursement agreement and consultant support.
•Board agreed to continue PH1 to date-certain meeting to allow for quorum and additional materials if needed.
•Fire department said vegetation-management option would require vegetation removal under current regulations, so applicant pursued a built screen option.
•Neighbor argued barrier should run to top of stairs and be enforceable; applicant argued design improved privacy versus existing conditions.
•Neighbor concerns about light, sound and the visual effect of moved stairs and balcony.
•PG&E emphasized prioritization of connections and will send follow-up information; town staff to report back.
•Staff clarified there were no trellis specifications in plans; board requested substantial conformance at permit review.
•Whether to set a prescriptive performance metric (50% opacity) for the trellis vs. requiring operable louvers and finish specifications.

Decisions

•PH1 continued to Dec. 3, 2026 (tentative).
•Project approved with added conditions and categorical CEQA exemption (3–0).
•Variance findings made; project approved and found categorically exempt from CEQA.

Directions

•Board approved current design with findings; staff will verify substantial conformance at permit stage.
•Condition approval on non-reflective finish and operable louvers capable of full closure; staff to confirm permit drawings substantially conform to approved design.
•Staff to list item on Dec. 3 agenda and notify participants.
•Staff to report back with substantive PG&E follow-up and any impacts to local permitting.

Nov

November 4, 2026 Tiburon Town Council Regular Meeting

Tiburon Town Council held a regular meeting with updates on a four-park improvement program, adopted staffing changes for finance/payroll, approved a $100,000 drainage-assistance pilot, and received an emergency-season flood-preparedness briefing.

Discussion Points

•60% design estimate of $2.3M; Post Commission recommended reduced scope focused on ADA access.
•A community survey on playground options will inform final decisions.
•Bid and contract award (Sept. 2) to W.R. Ford for $812,363.
•Construction began Oct. 5 with porous concrete pathway and storm drain features in place.
•Cost estimate currently at $2,912,335; staff and consultant seeking reductions.
•Design at 60% reviewed by Post Commission with community feedback.
•Eligibility requires public benefit; indemnification and permits required; emergency repairs may be eligible under specific conditions.
•Overview of the four parks and prior authorizations dating to Oct. 2024 and March 2026.
•Pilot structure: 12 months, $100,000 allocation, up to 50% reimbursements, $25,000 cap per project.
•Rationale: strengthen internal controls around payroll and reassign duties from HR to accounting.
•Sandbag station and containment boxes reduced roadway flooding during recent high tides.
•Smoke testing planned to confirm storm drain routing; lining of about 10 drains planned before rains.
•Staff requested feedback and will return with 100% plans if Post Commission approves.
•Staff said no new FTEs or budget change needed; the HR payroll technician position has been vacant.

Decisions

•Council adopted the resolution and the FY27 budget amendment by roll call.
•Resolution adopted by roll call; staffing levels amended for FY27.

Directions

•Continue weekly coordination with regional partners; prepare EOC in warm state; public outreach on sandbag availability and testing schedules.
•Implement reclassification and update org chart and job description.
•Report back when implementation tasks are completed.
•Staff to continue refining designs and report Post Commission feedback; return to council in Jan–Feb 2027 for 100% plans if approved.
•Staff to open an application window, review and prioritize projects that clearly demonstrate public benefit, and return with a pilot evaluation before its conclusion.
•Staff to present refined designs and potential phasing or cost-saving alternatives to Post Commission Nov. 17 and again Jan. 19, 2027.
•Staff to report survey results to Post Commission in December and potentially present 100% plans to council in Jan–Feb 2027.

Nov

City Council Meeting 11/02/2026 at 6:00PM

San Rafael City Council meeting on Nov. 2, 2026: council received public comment urging tenant protections and El Niño preparedness, approved a progressive design‑build contract and project labor agreement for the Albert Park library/community center, adopted the Citywide Storm Drain Plan 2026 and heard staff reports and awards.

Discussion Points

•APWA representative presented national award for library restoration under $5M.
•Council and staff discussed public outreach, local hire tiers, timeline and decision milestones.
•Council discussed whether to pull consent items and how to handle the parking permit policy update.
•Inspected ~5% of system; CMP deterioration is predictable; pump station rehab schedule suggested.
•Proclamation acknowledges indigenous stewards and ongoing partnership with tribe.
•Public raised privacy concerns about adding cameras; DPW clarified current camera use and data retention (counts, no stored footage).
•Speakers asked for just cause eviction protections, rent stabilization, a ban on RUBs, relocation assistance and stronger code enforcement.
•Staff noted El Niño outreach and indicated anti‑displacement recommendations will be returned to council.
•Staff presented procurement and selection process for Excel/SOM and described progressive design‑build benefits.
•Staff recommended O&M expansion and a 10‑year CIP; funding gap estimated at $5.4M/year.

Decisions

•Adopted phase‑1 design‑build contract (not to exceed $6.5M) and adopted PLA (both 5–0).
•Adopted Storm Drain Plan 2026 (5–0).
•Items 2b–2e approved 5–0; item 2a approved 4–1.
•No formal policy action at this meeting; council instructed staff to pursue next steps.
•Proclamation read and award accepted.

Directions

•Develop implementation and funding strategy; consider grants, fee updates, and possible ballot measures.
•Proceed with consent approvals; staff to undertake outreach and clarify camera functions in staff report and parking policy outreach.
•Proceed with phase‑1 contract and PLA; return conceptual design to council by June 2027.
•Staff to bring back emergency outreach recommendations and further anti‑displacement work informed by public comment.

Oct

October 27, 2026 Cypress Hollow Park Design Community Meeting

Designers for Cypress Hollow Park presented four playground concepts, described a narrowed "refocus" scope centered on three play areas and accessibility upgrades, and asked residents to complete a week-long survey that will inform December post-commission and a January council presentation.

Discussion Points

•Accessibility triggers minimum route requirements (2% cross slope, 5% longitudinal slope threshold for ramps).
•August concept estimated about $2,000,000; refocus intends to reduce scope and cost.
•Designers presented a narrowed scope focusing on three play areas and accessibility updates.
•Fall-zone size and existing play-band footprints constrain equipment choices.
•Four concept types were presented (treehouse, modern treehouse, post-and-deck, concrete/nature).
•Perimeter sidewalk removed from scope after neighborhood feedback; interior ramp proposed instead.
•Residents asked for an extension of the survey window to allow more people to participate.
•Residents requested renderings and clearer site legends; asked the team to clarify in the survey which areas are in consultant scope and which are town maintenance.
•Staff described the schedule to produce 90% plans, present to council and go to bid in early 2027.
•Survey launched to collect ranked preferences on concepts, play features, colors, surfacing, and tree removal.

Directions

•Design team to consider adding renderings once a concept is narrowed and to add explanatory text to the survey; staff to consider extending the survey timeframe.
•Design team to produce 90% plans after survey and present to post commission in December.
•Staff will present to council Jan. 27 with a recommendation to go to bid if feasible.
•Survey asks residents to rank concepts and indicate play-feature priorities.
•Survey includes a question on whether residents support the accessible-path options presented.
•Town to compile survey results and present them at a December post-commission meeting.
•Town will take over lawn/irrigation replacement as an internal project.

Oct

Sea Level Rise - Adaptation Options

Staff and a presenter summarized a consultants' study of three shoreline protection approaches for San Rafael, outlining options, estimated costs between $600 million and nearly $2 billion, interim measures to protect infrastructure, and a long (10–20 year) timeline requiring coordination across jurisdictions and property owners.

Discussion Points

•City can learn from other municipalities facing similar risks.
•Consultant cost range estimated between $600M and nearly $2B.
•Consultants presented three shoreline-protection options and their trade-offs.
•Goal is to stabilize low-lying areas to buy time for larger projects.
•Implementation could take 10–20 years; staff proposed incremental steps.
•Need for broad coordination across jurisdictions and property owners.
•Short-term measures named: pump station protection and building-code updates.
•Some rebuilding options could offer co-benefits such as housing or park space.
•Staff emphasized the report is comparative and not a recommendation.
•Staff identified potential impacts on residents and small businesses.

Oct

October 20, 2026 Emergency Preparedness Council Regular Meeting

County and local officials outlined El Niño preparedness steps — including a county emergency proclamation and $3 million in funding — and reviewed local actions such as sandbag stations, EOC readiness and a $75,000 dewatering pump purchase for Tiburon.

Discussion Points

•Alert Marin is county's system; county does not use Nixle.
•Alert Marin is primary alerting system; Nixle is not used by county.
•Board of Supervisors appropriated just over $3,000,000 for disaster preparedness.
•County has an identified ~7-foot predicted tide threshold for proactive alerts.
•County launched readymarin.org/elnino toolkit and hazard map.
•County will send proactive Alert Marin messages at ~7-foot predicted tides and refine procedures with state partners.
•District completed Great ShakeOut drill and practiced incident command/communications.
•Generators installed to power individual traffic signals; backup generator testing ongoing.
•Rotary Club and Belvedere Community Foundation provided grants for go-bag items and radios.
•Sandbag stations at Blackie's Pasture and Tether Park established.
•Schools are used as first-aid or collection points during emergencies and some facilities are over 60 years old.
•Siren tests reportedly not heard for two months; N2 Electric reported systems functional.
•Town inspected storm drains and is advising property owners to clear private drainage.
•Two library preparedness talks scheduled (Oct. 27 and Nov. 4).

Decisions

•Council approved $75,000 expenditure to purchase dewatering pump and associated equipment.

Directions

•Continue coordination between county OEM, town EOCs and school district on sheltering and collection points; explore northern collection point at Bel Air School.
•County to run public town halls and briefings; expand advertising for Alert Marin; coordinate sandbag lists and temporary barriers with cities and towns.
•Deploy dewatering pump and portable lighting trailers as necessary.
•Keep EOC at warm level during predicted king tides; coordinate with Belvedere and Marin County OEM.
•Promote Alert Marin signups and local newsletter subscriptions; encourage POA/HOA outreach lists.
•Station staff at siren sites during next test and provide public notice before testing; verify Alert Marin contact info for residents.

Oct

October 27, 2026 Heritage & Arts Commission Regular Meeting

Heritage & Arts Commission met to set a combined November/December meeting (Dec. 8), approve outreach about the late Scott Froshower’s 'Word on the Street' exhibit and discuss sites and next steps for Nikki Adani’s 'Birds/Bird’s Eye View' public art installation in Tiburon Town.

Discussion Points

•Acknowledgement of volunteer support and publicity; confirmation of upcoming openings and receptions.
•Agreement to activate ad hoc committee and schedule a site walk-through with the artist.
•Candidate sites list (ranch hillside, McKechnie/gazebo area, ferry area, rail trail berm, median near library).
•Date options for combined meeting; conflicts with town holiday events; Dec. 8 proposed as a single meeting covering November and December.
•Need for more visual mock-ups from artist to evaluate scale and sightlines.
•Need for town attorney to confirm ownership and legal options.
•Potential deed/HOA restrictions and need for town attorney review.
•Recap of Oct. 11 Native American arts & culture event (estimated 60–70 attendees).
•Whether Kimber (artist’s spouse/executor) should be asked for direction and whether the show should be extended.
•Whether the town owns or merely rents/exhibits the works; contract terms about sale and commission (20%).

Decisions

•Approved Dec. 8 special meeting at 5:30 p.m.
•Approved motion to contact Kimber and report back in December.
•Proceed with ad hoc site visits and artist walk-through; return recommendations in December.

Directions

•Ad hoc committee to photograph candidate sites and meet with artist for a walk-through.
•Staff to email Kimber and circulate contract to commissioners; consult town attorney if needed.
•Staff to post events to town calendar and assist with reception arrangements.
•Staff to post notice and circulate Dec. 8 meeting materials.
•Staff to request additional visualizations from the artist and coordinate schedules.

Oct

City Council Video 10/19/2026

San Rafael City Council on 2026-10-19 heard extended public comment calling for renter protections, adopted the 2026 citywide Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan, approved a $2.3M construction contract for 2nd/4th Street improvements, authorized a $817,000 specialty fire apparatus purchase, and dissolved the successor agency.

Discussion Points

•Consent item for successor agency dissolution; no public comment recorded.
•Construction phasing and outreach requirements
•Coordination with county and TAM for grant alignment
•Council proceeded with consent vote; item 2g was separately held for discussion.
•Funding from vehicle replacement fund and long‑term replacement planning
•How to measure KSI and integrate Miovision counts into performance metrics
•Immediate danger of displacement ahead of storm season; legal scope of emergency protections; limitations of subcommittee scheduling
•Operational need for a specialty 4WD apparatus to reach steep roads
•Potential rerouting of traffic onto narrow residential streets and mitigation (signage, timing, truck routing)
•RATIONALE for lowering safety weighting due to separate Local Road Safety Plan
•Resident noted $53,000 discrepancy between staff‑reported contract value and agreement.
•Size of bike queue boxes and pedestrian protection on refuge islands

Decisions

•Adopt CBPP 2026 update
•Adopt consent items 2a–2f
•Agendize renter protections for a November meeting
•Authorize purchase and supplemental appropriation for $817,000 apparatus
•Award contracts and proceed to construction; monitor and mitigate neighborhood impacts
•Dissolve successor agency (consent)

Directions

•Chief to provide details on unique capabilities and procurement timeline as requested by Council.
•Complete administrative closeout and required filings.
•Implement signage and targeted timing changes, monitor camera feeds at Greenfield and other intersections, maintain a resident feedback loop during construction.
•Staff to bring renter protections and emergency measures to November agenda for council consideration.
•Staff to develop reporting cadence and measures for implementation progress; incorporate LRSP and CIP processes for additional safety review.
•Staff to follow up on procurement discrepancy (not resolved on record).

Oct

Town Council Meeting 2026-10-27

San Anselmo Town Council heard reports and votes on Live on the Avenue, approved a Climate Action Fund policy and spending plan, held first reading of an ordinance to ban tobacco/nicotine retail sales with a premium-cigar carve-out, and proclaimed a local emergency.

Discussion Points

•Climate Action Fund and emergency resolution were approved; the tobacco ordinance advanced on first reading with split council votes.
•Commission provided ranked project list using GHG-per-dollar measures; heat pump rebates were a high priority.
•Consent calendar pulled items addressed concerns about park permits and event approvals.
•Council debated enforcement limits and inequitable effects on small retailers.
•Council emphasized measurement/ROI and integration with general plan.
•Council members suggested a 2–3 year permit cycle and improved sponsor/fund accounting.
•Council raised questions about geofencing/data limits, budget presentation (fundraising vs town costs), public-safety logistics and staffing for closures.
•Policy formalizes roles, annual timeline and project evaluation criteria (GHG mitigation, resiliency, community benefit).
•Public comment featured both retail-economic and public-health perspectives.
•Staff clarified the ordinance definition includes vaping/nicotine products and the premium-cigar carve-out is based on state definition.
•Staff reported programming, attendance, partnerships and fundraising for Live on the Avenue 2026.

Decisions

•Council approved the fund policy and Option 1 allocations (vote unanimous).
•Council approved title reading and introduction (first reading) with a 3–1–1 vote; ordinance to return for second reading and adoption.
•Council expressed unanimous support for continued program, sustainability pilots, and exploring a 2–3 year permit; no formal ordinance or funding change enacted at this time.
•See action items above.

Directions

•Staff to bring final ordinance language and implementation/enforcement details for Nov. 17 adoption vote.
•Staff to coordinate with MCE on rebate administration and return with implementation details and metrics.
•Staff to incorporate fund reporting into annual budget workshop cycle.
•Staff to prepare ordinance language for Nov. 17, program-level details for climate fund projects, and emergency operational criteria.
•Staff to return in early 2027 with refined combined-budget tables showing fundraising and town contributions and options for a multi-year permit and revised mobile-barrier/closure plan.

Oct

Corte Madera Climate Action Committee October 21, 2026

Meeting of the Corte Madera Climate Action Committee on Oct. 21 focused on student ambassador activities, a wide-ranging discussion with Town Council member Eli Beckman about tree planting, electrification and multifamily EV charging, subcommittee work on sustainable landscaping (AB 1572 compliance), heat-pump messaging ahead of a Bay Area Air District vote, outreach at Oktoberfest, and flood-preparedness outreach.

Discussion Points

•Ambassadors will help volunteer at the Resilient Neighborhoods event; staff will coordinate future activities.
•Amendments would address affordability and space/electrical constraints; staff cited an enforcement/delay scenario to 2028.
•Bay Area Air District expected to vote Nov. 4 on flexibility amendments to Rule 96.
•Beckman proposed elevating tree planting on the town work plan.
•Beckman requested committee feedback on prioritizing electrification incentives.
•Committee members emphasized native species, homeowner assistance, and fire-safety tradeoffs including tree proximity to structures.
•County pilot to install sensors to monitor real-time water levels vs. forecasted tide levels and publish a public dashboard.
•Estimated 80 engaged residents between noon and 5 p.m.; mix of adults and children.
•Flood-preparedness fair at Cove School scheduled for Saturday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
•Multifamily and HOA settings present barriers: remote ownership, financing, charger management, and fairness of costs.
•Shared tent with Refugio Marin; used spinning-wheel trivia; Marin Water materials distributed.
•Staff noted SB 222 passed and will require local permitting changes; the committee cautioned that cost and contractor capacity remain barriers.
•Staff reported the 240 Tamal Vista and San Clemente Place projects will include multiple chargers.
•Student ambassadors represent Redwood High and Marin Catholic and assisted with International Walk to School Day.
•Subcommittee coordinated with Refugio Marin and Marin Master Gardeners; the fire station is undergoing a master facilities plan with a first-stage delivery in February.
•The town must stop irrigating the turf in January per the mandate; preparatory steps will begin beforehand.

Directions

•Beckman to bring committee suggestions to the Town Council work planning session.
•Beckman to check with MCE about whether multifamily/HOA incentives apply and report back.
•Committee members to attend and share information.
•Coordinate local messaging with BayREN and county communications.
•Coordinate messaging with BayREN and county resources.
•Limit candy giveaways to reduce repeat spins by children.
•Promote the county-hosted heat-pump webinar on Nov. 18.
•Refine interactive tactics and pair trivia outcomes with specific handouts.
•Staff to assess local permitting changes necessary to comply with SB 222.
•Staff to consider streamlining information for homeowners about appropriate replacement species.
•Staff to continue coordinating ambassadors and report back to committee.
•Staff to continue outreach to HOAs and property managers.
•Staff to follow up after the fire-station facilities plan clarifies ownership and siting.
•Staff to promote the flood fair and county resources to flood-plain residents.
•Subcommittee to begin weed suppression and sheet mulching and explore rebates/rainwater funding.

Oct

Corte Madera Parks and Recreation Commission October 26, 2026

Corte Madera Parks & Recreation Commission held a planning session focused on which capital projects to elevate from the 2023 master plan for next fiscal-year consideration; residents urged the commission to preserve and restore longstanding programs for adults with developmental disabilities.

Discussion Points

•Approval of minutes by roll call; introduction of newly appointed Commissioner Patty Hannah; formation of ad hoc pool subcommittee.
•Commissioners recommended piloting one location and conducting follow-up public outreach on specific options.
•Commissioners requested cost estimates and asked staff to clarify which items remain high priority from the 2023 matrix.
•Permanent restrooms may require sewer hookups and carry high costs; prebuilt smaller units are an alternative.
•Public commenters asked the commission to adopt Rec Inc.'s transition plan or alternate measures to continue dances and sports nights.
•Recurring vandalism and maintenance on bathrooms at Town Park are costly.
•Staff and an ad hoc subcommittee are evaluating operational and staffing options to sustain the programs.
•Staff described master-plan carryovers and the mechanism for elevating projects to the capital-improvements list.
•Survey favored Town Park as the preferred location for outdoor fitness equipment.

Decisions

•Commission consensus to focus on Town Park for initial exploration; no final procurement decision made.
•Minutes approved; subcommittee formed; next meeting scheduled Dec. 17.
•No final project selections adopted at this meeting; process to continue at December meeting.
•No immediate capital commitment; staff to return with options.
•November and December dances will proceed as scheduled (no formal vote recorded in transcript).

Directions

•Clerk to upload written public comments to the agenda packet; staff to coordinate subcommittee work and return with pool feasibility details.
•Staff to continue subcommittee work and reach out to regional program operators; staff to follow up with commenters and provide more transparent timelines.
•Staff to coordinate with finance director and public works to draft cost estimates and return with a preliminary list for the December 17 meeting.
•Staff to investigate sewer and utility availability, obtain cost estimates for prebuilt and permanent options, and report back.
•Staff to return with vendor quotes, specific siting options, and outreach plans for the December meeting.

Oct

Corte Madera Town Council Special Closed Session Meeting October 22, 2026

Corte Madera Town Council held a brief special meeting Oct. 22, 2026 to meet in closed session on pending litigation (Victor Chang as trustee of the Corte Madera Property Trust v. Town of Corte Madera) and authorized its attorneys to continue negotiations before adjourning.

Discussion Points

•Chair opened for public comment on closed-session item; no comments received.
•Chair read statutory authority and the case name before adjourning to closed session.

Decisions

•Authorization to continue negotiations reported out of closed session.

Directions

•Council authorized attorneys to continue negotiations with the litigant.

Oct

Voter-Approved Tax Oversight Committee 10/21/2026

San Rafael council subcommittee reviewed its annual oversight report and financial summaries for local parcel and transaction taxes, discussed Brown Act acknowledgement and training, and reviewed funding, exemptions and timelines for several voter-approved measures including Measure P (library/community center) and Measure G (cannabis tax).

Discussion Points

•0.333¢ of Measure E pays essential-facilities debt; 0.25¢ portion shows principal, interest and debt administration amounts in transfers.
•About two-thirds of pension contribution currently services an unfunded liability.
•Capital furniture purchase of $240,000 was capitalized and reduced available set-aside.
•City layers ARPA and opioid settlement funding with Measure G for the SAFE team rather than relying solely on cannabis tax revenue.
•Committee can report revenues but not necessarily expenditures for general-purpose taxes.
•Debt service structure increases principal payments over time; one year had $2.8M of bonds maturing.
•Measure B drew down fund balance for library capital work (Carnegie and Pickleweed).
•Measure G at 1% is generating approximately $150,000.
•Measure P generates roughly $6.3M annually and the ordinance keeps the tax in effect for 30 years or until bonds are repaid.
•Paramedic tax cap was reached; committee discussed whether to add explicit oversight to charter.
•Staff estimated $94–$97M of borrowing capacity on a 30-year tax-exempt structure and proposed progressive design-build procurement.
•Staff expects the accelerated payoff to complete around 2030–2032, reducing annual pension costs.
•Staff explained that recent Brown Act amendments clarify when formal training is required for advisory-body members.
•Staff will consult attorneys on eligible vs. ineligible project costs under the ordinance.
•The committee recorded receipt of materials and staff offered to answer follow-up questions.

Decisions

•Committee acknowledged receipt of Brown Act materials and will seek clarification from staff on training applicability if needed.
•Committee asked staff to consider timing/options for reallocations when pension costs fall.
•Committee asked staff to provide an amortization schedule and filtered transaction reports for clearer oversight.
•Committee decided not to expand charter oversight at this time; staff to provide information on specific measures if requested.
•Staff to present ordinance language and guidance to the committee at a future meeting.
•Staff to supply follow-up details on exemptions and year-over-year revenue comparisons if requested.
•Staff to verify personnel allocations and confirm code-enforcement shares tied to Measure G spending.

Oct

October 21, 2026 Town Council Meeting

Tiburon Town Council opened with public comment urging support for a local school facilities bond, approved a fourth six-month extension for the building permit at 4631 Paradise Drive after a contractor described weather, PG&E and structural delays, and adopted a resolution declaring a local emergency ahead of an anticipated strong El Niño to speed emergency procurement and preparedness.

Discussion Points

•Audit timeline has slipped; preliminary numbers expected mid‑November.
•Contractor John Cawley described PG&E connection issues, weather delays, and foundation reengineering as primary causes of schedule slippage.
•Council discussed code discretion for very large projects and challenges dealing with PG&E.
•Declaration allows the town manager to negotiate emergency contracts and approve change orders and contingencies up to a cumulative 15%.
•District buildings average about 70 years; architects estimated repair costs north of $100,000,000.
•Forecasts indicate a >90% chance of a very strong El Niño event; emergency declaration allows expedited procurement.
•Manager must report back to council if the authority is used; reauthorization required every 60 days.
•Measure O would authorize up to $115,000,000 in general obligation bonds paid by a property assessment up to $30 per $100,000 assessed value.
•Planned experiments (sandbagging selected storm drains and testing plugs) to diagnose unexpected high water levels observed without rain.
•Preliminaries will be shared with council but not immediately released publicly until auditor finalization.
•Railroad Marsh vegetation removal to maintain stormwater detention capacity.
•Staff recommended granting the 4th six‑month extension and charging five times the original building permit fee (prorated if finished early).
•Storm drain lining contract recently awarded for select old corrugated metal pipe segments.

Decisions

•Council accepted the monthly financial reports by roll call vote.
•Council adopted the emergency declaration by roll call.
•Council granted the extension and approved prorating the fee upon early completion.

Directions

•Authorize town manager to use emergency contracting authority as needed and report back to council.
•Coordinate with county and Belvedere on quick‑build improvements near Greenwood Cove Drive.
•Coordination with county and regional partners to preposition equipment and public information.
•Run experiments on upcoming high tides and report findings to council.
•Staff to confirm fee base calculation and, if directed, return with a study session or ordinance discussion on permit timeframes for large projects.
•Staff to share preliminary numbers with council when available and provide updates at subsequent meetings.

Oct

Corte Madera Town Council October 20, 2026

Corte Madera Town Council held a special meeting on Oct. 20, 2026, that included a closed-session briefing on pending litigation, a public hearing approving tax‑exempt bond financing for an affordable housing renovation, adoption of a public art policy, budget preliminary results, extensive flood‑preparedness updates and several personnel and parks items.

Discussion Points

•Adult‑disability programming paused temporarily while town explores sustainable models and possible community partnerships.
•Applicant Patricia Hannah described three strengths: strategic/operational leadership, local engagement, and analytical problem solving.
•Construction moving forward and remains on budget; approximately $150,000 CIP remaining.
•Council asked about timing, permits and potential town inspection workload.
•Council emphasized attendance expectations and commission meeting schedule.
•Parks & Rec fund shows a $135,000 deficit; utilities over budget.
•Planner explained TEFRA requirement and project scope (79 units, interior/exterior upgrades, electrification).
•Policy modeled on neighboring towns and reviewed by the Parks & Rec Commission.
•Questions focused on insurance, funding readiness and potential timelines for installations.
•Revenue roughly $29 million; property tax up (10%) and sales tax down (~7%).
•Staff described check‑valve work, pump‑station hardening, tiger dams, outreach playbook and a flood fair.
•Staff flagged FEMA grant clauses requiring legal review.
•Staff noted one‑time state reimbursements and vacancy savings as factors.
•Town purchased a sandbag‑filling machine and stockpiled sand and prefilled bags.

Decisions

•Adopt policy and proceed with RFP process for community‑center mural.
•Adopt resolution to permit CMFA issuance; no town liability stated.
•Council accepted the preliminary report and directed next steps for audit and forecasting.
•Proceed with in‑house temporary program delivery while staff and subcommittee evaluate options.
•Proceed with prioritized sandbag placement and contractor installations; review FEMA grant terms before acceptance if needed.
•Unanimous appointment approved to fill term ending 06/30/2028.

Directions

•Bring audit, sales‑tax forecast and capital funding plan back to council.
•Continue regular project oversight and report on any budget changes.
•Public Outreach team to run flood preparedness fair and promote signups for Alert Marin and town channels.
•Publish application guidance and create a separate RFP for the community center mural project.
•Schedule finance advisory committee review and a budget workshop.
•Staff to continue sandbag and berm contractor work, coordinate with county and Caltrans, and return with FEMA grant language and recommended action.
•Staff to develop short‑term transitional plan and return with recommendations for long‑term delivery; recruit for recreation coordinator position.
•Staff to return with building permit details and notice of any staffing impacts.
•Staff to update commission roster and provide orientation materials.

Oct

October 20, 2026 Emergency Preparedness Council Meeting

Regular meeting of the Belvedere–Tiburon Emergency Preparedness Council on Oct. 20 focused on El Niño preparations: county and local readiness, community outreach and sandbag/tide logistics; the County announced a local emergency and set aside funding. Speakers included Reed Union School District, county emergency director Steven Torrance, town officials and community volunteers.

Discussion Points

•Belvedere is evaluating inflatable temporary flood barriers with Stetson Engineering; decision expected Nov. 9.
•Be Ready Belvedere held an event distributing go‑bag items and stay‑box materials to residents.
•County identified a 7‑foot predicted tide threshold to trigger proactive messaging; exact state coordination steps remain being finalized.
•County OEM described community outreach, exercises, sandbag locations, and coordination with state partners.
•District completed district‑wide earthquake drill and incident command practice.
•Grants from local nonprofits funded many items and the event increased Alert Marin signups.
•Residents reported flap‑gate anomalies during sunny‑day high tides; engineers and public works are investigating.
•Superintendent requested officials include school facilities when planning emergency staging and urged support for Measure O.
•Town has inspected storm drains and prepared sandbag stations; council approved equipment purchase.
•Town will set EOC 'warm' for predicted king tides and may not be able to fully staff depending on employees' ability to travel.

Decisions

•Board of Supervisors proclaimed a local emergency and appropriated funds as described.
•Council approved equipment expenditure (~$75,000) as reported by town official.
•No final engineering decision recorded at this meeting.
•No formal decision on Measure O recorded at the meeting.
•No formal municipal action recorded; event funded by local grants.

Directions

•County OEM and local agencies to coordinate on transportation contingency planning and targeted parent notifications via Alert Marin.
•County to publish ReadyMarin/ElNino toolkit and hazard map; push funding/services to local partners in coming weeks.
•Organizers to continue outreach and advertise library preparedness talks.
•Public works to preposition equipment and test generators; town to message building permit holders to secure open sites.
•Towns to coordinate on barrier height and lagoon management; Belvedere to make a decision on barriers at Nov. 9 meeting.

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