City of San Rafael

This document provides mid-year updates to the City Council's Three-Year Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2028. The plan is designed to advance seven priority areas: Economic Development and Neighborhood Vitality, Mobility and Infrastructure, Sustainability and Resilience, Housing and Homelessness, Quality of Life: Safety, Wellness, and Belonging, High Performing Government, and Equity, Access, and Opportunity for All. The update assesses progress, identifies necessary adjustments, and aligns implementation with available resources to strengthen future forecasting, prioritization, and alignment of the City's initiatives.

The meeting included action taken in Closed Session to authorize the initiation of litigation. Discussions covered mayoral remarks acknowledging staff transitions and honoring individuals. The Consent Calendar saw the adoption of resolutions regarding professional services agreements for the 350 Merrydale Road Interim Shelter, approval of a final subdivision map for the 709 C Street Condominium Project, and acceptance of completion for the Peacock Gap Park Playground Improvement Project. Public hearings addressed calling for a Special Election on June 2, 2026, to renew the Special Library Services Parcel Tax, and consideration of ordinances to repeal the Municipal Code Bail Schedule and clarify parking regulations. Appeals regarding a mixed-use development at 700 Irwin Street were heard, ultimately resulting in the denial of three appeals and upholding the Planning Commission's approval of the project. Another appeal concerning the 1030 3rd Street mixed-use development was denied, upholding the Planning Commission's approval. City Manager updates included the launch of the new OpenGov permit tracking system and the deadline for RFP responses for the Northgate Specific Plan. Councilmember reports covered local activities including working group meetings and project updates.

The special closed session focused exclusively on legal matters and personnel actions. Discussions included a conference with legal counsel regarding one potential case, and conference with legal counsel concerning existing litigation titled Winarske, et al. v. County of Marin, et al. Furthermore, the session addressed matters concerning public employee discipline, dismissal, or release.

Key discussions during the meeting included staff liaison reports detailing the 2025 end of year complaint data, which showed 27 citizen complaints and 3 internal complaints, with most being exonerated or unfounded. Lieutenant Eberle also presented SAFE Team statistics for Fiscal Year 2025 and provided an update on the Drone First Responder (DFR) program, noting the launch of a second drone and approximately 150 deployments. Committee members shared updates on their activities, such as participation in the Inspector General oral board panel, attendance at Coffee with a Cop, and community outreach regarding traffic safety, gang activity, graffiti, and public drinking. The committee also discussed cite and release versus jail booking policy and confirmed the non-use of the WRAP restraint device. The agenda also covered the 2025 Annual Report.

The agenda for the meeting included several City Manager and Councilmember Reports, including updates on the new OpenGov permit tracking system and the upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Northgate Specific Plan. The Consent Calendar featured items such as the proclamation for Women's History Month, the final adoption of two parking ordinances (Ordinance 2059 repealing Chapter 5.74 Bail Schedule and Ordinance 2060 amending Chapter 5.48 regarding off-street parking facilities), acceptance of the Quarterly Investment Report for the period ending December 31, 2025, approval for Pickleweed Library furniture purchase, acceptance of the 2025 Police Advisory & Accountability Committee Annual Report, and acceptance of completion for the Pickleweed Park Enhancement Project. Other agenda items involved adopting resolutions related to the Canal Neighborhood Active Transportation Enhancement Project, accepting the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Update, and adopting mid-year updates to the City Council Three-Year Strategic Plan Work Plan. Public Hearings included calling for a Special Election on June 2, 2026, to renew the Special Library Services Parcel Tax, consideration of the parking-related ordinances, and hearing appeals regarding the Planning Commission approvals for mixed-use developments at 700 Irwin Street and 1030 3rd Street.