City of San Rafael

The meeting covered the approval of previous minutes. Commissioner reports highlighted significant recent fire incidents, specifically a rapidly growing, aggressive fire at a three-story structure where the drone footage proved essential in reconstructing events, including a roof collapse. The cause of that fire was determined to be paint peeling with a torch while the property owner was present. Commissioners also discussed fire foundation activities, including planning for the 150th-anniversary events scheduled for September 27th and October 11th, and progress on redesigning the fire foundation website using high-resolution incident photos and drone footage. Additionally, discussions involved the scheduling of future guest speakers, including underwriters from the property insurance sector.

The City Council meeting included authorization by the Chief Assistant City Attorney to settle a worker's compensation case during a preceding Closed Session. The Mayor offered opening remarks concerning national uncertainty, local volunteering, and land acknowledgment. During the Open Time for Public Expression, the Council heard comments regarding parking tickets, the Starkweather Path lighting and art installation project, and bicycle safety on Pt. San Pedro Road. City Manager reports covered the Bloomberg What Works Cities Designation, an AT&T 911 Failure update, the Pt. San Pedro Road fatality, the 350 Merrydale Interim Shelter Project, and upcoming public meetings. Councilmembers reported on various committee and organizational engagements, including Marin Transit and the Finance Subcommittee. Key actions involved adopting resolutions for the prohibition of camping at City Hall (Resolution 15494), awarding a contract to WRT Consultants for the Southeast San Rafael Specific Plan (Resolution 15495), accepting the Voter-Approved Tax Oversight Committee Annual Report and amending its bylaws (Resolution 15496), authorizing the purchase of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (Resolution 15497), executing an agreement for the South Merrydale Road -- Civic Center Connector Pathway Project (Resolution 15498), approving two Transportation Development Act Article 3 Funding Agreements for pedestrian enhancement projects (Resolutions 15499 and 15500), and establishing a Joint Quiet Zone Agreement (Resolution 15501). A special presentation recognized the Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification. During a public hearing, the Council introduced an Ordinance clarifying the authority of the Supervisor of Public Works to approve project plans. Finally, the Council adopted a resolution approving the City Council Governance, Agreements, Roles & Responsibilities and Communication Protocols (Resolution 15502). Public comments continued regarding the Pt. San Pedro Road fatality and bicycle safety.

The meeting agenda included approving the regular meeting minutes from December 3, 2024. Key presentations covered the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District Puerto Suello Pathway Update and the Lincoln Avenue Corridor Study - Artificial Intelligence Pilot. Other agenda items involved providing feedback on options for extending the Civic Center Drive Bikeway, receiving the Staff Liaison Report with project updates, and holding open time for public expression on matters not on the agenda. The committee also confirmed the selection of the next Chair and Vice Chair, and adopted a modified schedule for 2026 meetings, moving them to the second Wednesday of even months.

The Special Meeting focused primarily on developing the 2026 Workplan. Key discussion topics included Human Trafficking, Police Culture, Traffic & Traffic Safety, ICE, School Resource Officer (SRO) program, and Homelessness. Committee members ranked priority topics based on a point system. A motion was carried to accept the 2026 workplan topics, prioritizing the top six-rated subjects. The committee also discussed the 2026 meeting schedule, ultimately accepting the schedule with an exception for the February date due to religious observances, requesting staff provide an alternate date.

The meeting agenda included City Manager and Councilmember Reports, followed by a Consent Calendar. Key actions on the Consent Calendar involved approving minutes from prior sessions, adopting an ordinance clarifying the Public Works Director's authority to approve project plans and designs, issuing a Proclamation in Recognition of Black History Month, authorizing agreements for Development Impact Fee Nexus Studies with Keyser Marston Associates, Inc., and authorizing a funding agreement with Caltrans for the Lincoln Avenue Safety Improvements Project. Other agenda items included an overview and recommendation for continuing the SAFE Team Pilot Program, a presentation on the City's Fiscal Sustainability Framework, and the implementation of the Downtown San Rafael Arts District Public Art Program. A Public Hearing was held regarding the ordinance clarifying the Director of Public Works authority.