Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutTC Digest 2016-01-15TOWN COUNCIL WEEKLY DIGEST January 11-15, 2016 TIBURON Correspondence, Notices and other Information 1. Letter - Jan. 11- Greenwood Beach Road Bike Path Proposal 2. Email - Jan. 13 - Greenwood Beach Road Bike Path Proposal Agenda, Minutes 1. Email - Jan. 7 - The Ranch date change to Jan. 25 2. Agenda - Jan. 19 - POST 3. Cancellation - Jan. 19 - Belvedere -Tiburon Joint Disaster Advisory Council 4. Cancellation - Jan. 21- Tiburon Design Review regular meeting 5. Agenda - Jan. 26 - Heritage and Arts REGIONAL, NOTICES AND AGENDAS Correspondence, Notices and other Information 1. Marin IJ Article - Jan. 12 - Board of Supervisors: Ruling -Housing meeting unlawful 2. Notice - Jan. 19 - Library presents: Landmarks, Dave Gotz - Town Historian 3. The Rotide - Jan. 6 4. Marin Conservation League - Jan/Feb 5. Marin Health & Human Services - Winter Agenda, Minutes 1. Agenda - Jan. 11- Belvedere City Council 2. Agenda - Jan 14 - Marin LAFCO **LAFCO ; Local Agency Formation Commission Patti Pickett c-/ I�� .x From: Greg Chanis Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 11:29 AM To: Patti Pickett Subject: FW: Bike Path Dear Pat: A bike path on Greenwood Beach Road is adamantly opposed by everyone who lives on this street, and with very good reason. The street is too narrow, visibility is too restricted, it's capacity is grossly inadequate for the bike traffic that uses it, it is too dangerous, it generates far too much anxiety among those who live here and must use it as our only means of ingress and egress, it is a constant threat to safety, it introduces far too many belligerent and hostile bike riders, it is an imposition on the quality of life on this street, it is not necessary, and there is as better alternative. I could go on. There is not one resident of this street who cannot recite incident after incident of near accident, confrontation and intolerable behavior generated by the literally thousands of bikers who use this street. I personally have been subjected to vile and offensive language and threats of physical attack by bikers who appear to regard this street as exclusively theirs and who exhibit an unwillingness to behave themselves and respect the rights of those who live here. It would be a mistake to dismiss how serious the residents of this street are in opposition to this irresponsible initiative. USE GREENWOOD BEACH ROAD. IT HAS ROOM AND IT HAS ACCESS. And take "out of town residents" off the Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission. They should have no voice in regulating Tiburon residents. Thank you for your kind attention, and best regards, Bruce Abbott 458 Greenwood Beach Road 1 W. Aubrey and Gaby Federal 434 Greenwood Beach Rd. Tiburon, Ca. 94920 Patrick Barnes Director of Public Works Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Blvd. Tiburon, Ca. 94920 pbames@townoftiburon.org Re: Bike Path — Greenwood Beach Rd Dear Mr. Barnes, ID: vaa C 20 - Jan. 11, 2016 We know it is no surprise to you that the residents of Greenwood Beach Road are furiously opposed to this plan. For years we have endured the daily "whoosh" of the multi colored peletons as they speed in unison, with NO regard to safety, along Greenwood Beach Road. Greenwood Beach Road is a RESIDENTIAL street --not a bicycle raceway, though this seems to be of no concern to many in the spandex crowd. We cannot tell you how many times our family and neighbors have narrowly escaped great harm from these careless speeders. Not to mention their rudeness, arrogance and total disregard for others. To create a bicycle pathway is a fine idea --to direct even more speeding bicycle traffic along Greenwood Beach Road is folly. The neighborhood children already know this route. Their usage is fine as is. There is no residential neighborhood in Tiburon that would tolerate this type and amount of bicycle traffic passing private homes if you were to enact this plan. This traffic belongs on the main road — Tiburon Boulevard - between Hwy 101 and Blackie's Pasture, at least. Thank you. Sincerely,q GL -1 I-` C OU Aubrey and Ga y Federal DIGEST Diane Crane lacopi From: Cathleen Andreucci - Director <director@theranchtoday.org> A i I Sent: Thursday, January 07, 2016 3:24 PM To: Jerry Riessen (j.riessen@comcast.net); 'Bob McCaskill <bob@mccaskill.net> (bob@mccaskill.net)'; Vice Mayor Jim Fraser; Afsaneh Zolfaghari; Jane Jacobs; 'nuriaibars@yahoo.com'; Cathy Frymier; Petey Stein Cc: 'Kevin Hessel (editor@thearknewspaper.com)'; hbeausang@thearknewspaper.com; Diane Crane lacopi; Alison Foulis - City Clerk Subject: The Ranch Committee Meeting - Jan 25 6:30pm at Dairy Knoll Hi All, Our regular meeting time is the 3rd Monday of the month at 7pm. Due to MLK Holiday we had tentatively scheduled the Jan Meeting for the 11th. After an survey of the Committee Members, it appears Jan 25th at 6:30pm (usually 7pm) is better for the majority of the committee. So our January Meeting will be: January 25th at 6:30pm at Dairy Knoll, Thanks Cathleen Andreucci Executive Director The Ranch (Belvedere Tiburon Recreation) 600 Neds Way Tiburon, CA 94920 candreucci(a)TheRanchToday.or6 415-435-4355 Fax: 415-435-8157 1 TOWN OF TIBURON Tiburon Town Hall 1505 Tiburon Boulevard Town Hall Council Chambers Tiburon, CA 94920 L' Regular Meeting Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission 4 V January 19, 2016 — 6:00 PM AGENDA PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Winkler, Vice -Chair Allen, Commissioners Feldman, McMullen, Thier ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Persons wishing to address the Parks, Open Space & Trails Commission on any subject not on the agenda may do so under this portion of the agenda. Please note that the Parks, Open Space & Trails Commission is not able to undertake extended discussion, or take action on, items that do not appear on this agenda. Matters requiring action or follow-up may be referred to Town Staff or placed on a future Parks, Open Space & Trails Commission agenda. Please limit your comments to no more than three (3) minutes. Testimony regarding matters not on the agenda will not be considered part of the administrative record. MINUTES • Approval of Minutes —November 17, 2015 COMMISSION AND STAFF BRIEFING BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update: Public Meeting and Community Workshop to discuss proposed projects for inclusion into the Master Plan update. The workshop will be conducted as follows: Public Meeting Portion • Staff will introduce the item. • Alta Planning + Design (consultant) will give a presentation that describes and locates each of the projects. • Questions from POST Commissioners will be asked and addressed. • Public comment will be solicited. • The POST Commission will decide whether any projects should be added to, modified, or removed from the project list. Parks Open Space and Trails Commission Agenda Page 1 TOWN OF TIBURON Tiburon Town Hall 1505 Tiburon Boulevard Town Hall Council Chambers Tiburon, CA 94920 Regular Meeting Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission January 19, 2016 — 6:00 PM Adjourn to Workshop Session • The Commission will temporarily adjourn to a public workshop session. The time of the breakout workshop session will be limited (approximately 20 minutes) and set at the meeting depending on the number of participants. The breakout workshop session will provide an opportunity for the Commissioners and public participants to: o Write comments on the display maps. o Put stickers on the maps indicating the priority of specific projects. Reconvene to Public Meeting • Public comment will be accepted on the proposed projects. • Top priority projects will be discussed and recommendations made (if appropriate) by the POST Commission. • The two projects to receive further analysis will be recommended (if appropriate) by the POST Commission. ADJOURNMENT Parks Open Space and Trails Commission Agenda Page 2 DIGEST A.3 BELVEDERE-TIBURON JOINT DISASTER ADVISORY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING CANCELLED JANUARY 19, 2016, 4:00 TO 5:30 PM TIBURON TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1505 TIBURON BLVD., TIBURON, CA NEXT MEETING APRIL 19TH 2016 4PM -- 5:3OPM TIBURON TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1505 TIBURON BLVD., TIBURON, CA NOTICE OF MEETING CANCELLATION THE REGULAR TIBURON DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016 HAS BEEN CANCELLED THE NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD IS THE REGULAR MEETING OF THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 alg,(AU2 D NIEL WATROUS, SECRETARY A4 T I B U R O N HERITAGE A R T S COMMISSION Town of Tiburon Heritage & Arts Commission 1505 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon, CA 94920 415-435-7373 AGENDA HERITAGE & ARTS COMMISSION January 26 - Town Hall Conference Room - 6:30 p.m. DIGEST A-5 I. Call to Order II. Roll CaII III. Oral Communications Persons wishing to address the Heritage & Arts Commission on subjects not on the agenda may do so at this time. Please note however, that the Heritage & Arts Commission is not able to undertake extended discussion or action on items not on the agenda. Matters requiring action will be referred to the appropriate Commission, Board, committee or staff for consideration or placed on a future Heritage & Arts agenda. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes. IV. Minutes — November 24, 2015 V. Treasurer's Report VI. Chair Merrill's 2016 opening remarks VII. Artist Recruitment - New Artists for Exhibition (At each meeting, any Commissioner may present art work for consideration for future exhibits. Once approved by the group, the individual's samples will be turned over to one of the Artist Recruiters for scheduling and processing.) a. Artist Reception: Frank Doyle — Feb. 3 b. Artist Updated Calendars 2016 — Changes — Attn. items in yellow c. Artist contact: Lily Smith VIII. Old Business a. Artist Laureate Project 2016 — Resubmittal of Proposal w/requested changes b. Development of written proposal to Town Council on future direction of H&A c. Project goals for Art Walk collaboration (Lisa, Azita, Vince) d. Liaison with Summertime on Main (Daniel, Elizabeth) e. Website — Social media - Vince IX. New Business a. H&A Pending Commission vacancies Staff Report: Diane Iacopi — Town Clerk X. Adjournment Next Regular Meeting — January 26, 2016 Bap RD OF SUPE2 ISORS Rlin Ho meeti unlL/ w Judge says ofd agenda policy briefing violated state open government law By Nels Johnson njohnson@mnarinij.cone @nelsjohnsonnews on Twitter Rejecting county legal arguments as irrele • vant, a Marin judge ruled that county supervi- sors violated state anti -secrecy law by orches- trating a discussion of housing issues lastyear even though the matter wasn't on the board agenda. Superior Court Judge Roy Chernus, express- ing concern that officials "will continue simi- lar practices" because they refused to concede wrongdoing, ordered the county board to follow open government law as outlined in the Ralph M. Brown Act. The ruling affirmed a tenta- tive decision Chernus issued last month. He delayed a final decision pending another review of a tape of the Aug. 19, 2014, county board meeting at issue. The judge's final decisionon Jan. 4 flatly rejected County Counsel Steve Woodside's assertion in court that no violation had occurred. Supervisor Katie Rice, who as board presi- dent last year arranged the off -agenda discus- sion, said, "I understand the judge's ruling and respect it." At issue was a 26 -minute informational dis- cussion last summer prompted by Rice, who an- nounced officials had received many emails from housing critics. She asked development agency director Brian Crawford in advance for a report on the county's housing "element" or policy, state requirements, adoption procedures and related information. Chernus Rini ng FROM PAGE I Crawford and an aide ap- peared before the board to outline the situation. No ac- tion was taken, but an attor- ney for housing policy critic Bob Silvestri cried foul, say- ing Silvestri would have at- tended if the matter had been posted on the agenda as required by law. Silvestri had written to the board five days earlier, raising ques- tions about housing policy. "Crawford's planned re- port on the status of the draft housing element should have been posted ... on the meeting's agenda," the judge said. "The failure to do so violated the agenda rules of the Brown Act." •The court found "nothing to suggest that the board's motive in requesting direc- tor Crawford to give a status report reflected anything other than a genuine inter- est in keeping the public cur- rent on this very important and highly -charged mat- ter," Chernus said. But "the board's good faith intentions do not excuse it from the clear mandate of the stat- ute," the judge added. "The failure to place that item on the agenda hinders the stat- ute's stated purpose to keep the public informed and to provide public participation in all phases of the decision- making process." The case against the county was filed by attorney Ed Yates on behalf of Com- munity Venture Partners, which is led by Silvestri. Sil- vestri describes his organi- zation as a nonprofit com- mitted to "social justice, en- vironmental sustainability, and the importance of com- munity participation in de- cision making." Silvestri said the Brown Act is the "cornerstone of" participatory government in California," and ensures the public's right to know. "What was so disturb- ing in this case was that the county's decision to not pro- vide public notice of a hear- ing, on a topic of intense public interest, was not an oversight, and throughout the proceedings, the county RULING » PAGE 2 "Crawford's planned report on the status of the draft housing element should have been posted ... on the meeting's agenda. The failure to do so violated the agenda rules of the Brown Act." — Superior Court Judge Roy Chernus continued to try to defend their right to not provide notice," he said. "One can only hope the county will be more circumspect in the future." County dissent Deputy County Coun- sel David Zaltsman said "the county does not under- stand" how the court con- cluded Crawford was unable to give a report to the board as a member of its staff. "Nor do we understand how the court could con- clude that the report was not sufficiently brief to come within the exception given the importance of the issue," Zaltsman added. Crawford's "prepared report" lasted about 10 minutes. Crawford said, "The judge's decision stands in stark contrast to staffs re- sponsibility to keep the Board of Supervisors and the public informed about important issues that are fully up for public debate, in this case both prior to and after the board received a briefing from their staff." When the dispute erupted last year, Supervisor Rice contended no law was bro- ken. "Asking staff to provide information on a subject not on the agenda :.. is not a vi- olation of the Brown Act or anti -secrecy law," Rice said at the time. "I asked Brian to provide information about the housing element update so as to highlight the oppor- tunities for public participa- tion throughout. Seems like ,--71.7411-':rte " : "T," Rice Woodside providing clarity on the pro• cess is a good thing." A 'rare case' Woodside, the count'. top lawyer, argued in court last month that the judge got it wrong, not the cony board. Crawford, as a county board staffer, was entitled to slip through a loophole in the law allowing "brims' announcements or report. "on his or her own activi- ties," Woodside told Che'r- nus, calling the matter "rare case" of an off agenda cllat. "In this case I don't think it was a mistake," Woodside told the judge.. ; a On Monday, Woodside said: "Despite our differing interpretations, this we n'1 happen again." Even stricter limits will be imposed on. what hap- pens off agenda at board meetings, he added. The final decision Judge Chernus said arg ments by county lawyers were "irrelevant," "mis- placed" or otherwise incor- rect. "The court concludes the Board of Supervisors had a ministerial duty to post this report as an agenda item, for this meeting," the judge said. "An order is warranted to emphasize to the count the importance of abiding by the notice provisions." Rice noted Monday that the "judge did acknowl- edge that my asking Briar to speak that morning was intended to benefit the public, to clarify misinfor- mation that was swirling around with regards to the calendar and public process going forward per the hous ing element." The informa tion was timely and helpful she said. "But in the judge's assess ment, (it was) inappropriat4 per the Brown Act in the manner and format it Was delivered at that meeting; she said. 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111.1111111111111111.1111111.111111.111,411H MI11111111111111111111111IIIIII11111111111IIIIIIIiIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII' I I I I111111111I.1I11I 1111111111111111111111111111111111111I 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 0 CL 7.)0 0 3 -tiq 11111 iiiii11111111111111111i11111111111111111111111111111111111111111 c N rD a rDC Ce cin a' F...d • ;:a.i .::1: iy ?..:f= r+%_Jl�•i+ff .'3:c '6^r'1.: zy I1i111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 11 The ROTIDE DIGEST 121c6.3 Newsletter of the Rotary Club of Tiburon -Belvedere Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Treasurer Pledge Drawing THE CREW Charlie Oewel Bob Benbow Bob Zimmerman THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Bob Benbow shared a thought from the mysterious Carl Bard. He did a search to find out more about Mr. Bard, but was unable to uncover any information. His thought was the following: "Though no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending:' [Note: Images of Carl Bard on the Internet appear to be Carl Sandburg.] PAUL HARRIS PRESENTATION John Kaufmann is our newest Paul Harris Fellow, and President Marianne Strotz presented him with a certificate and pin in recognition of the achievement. VISITORS AND GUESTS Christian Thwaites joined Craig Hughes. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise, which meets for breakfast at Moylan's bright and early on Tuesday mornings. Christian, who is chief strategist at Brouwer and Janachowski does video blogs on the company's website (fundmastery.com), and Craig highly recommends them. CARNAVAL! Our annual fundraiser takes place on Saturday, February 6, and will be in the spirit of Rio de Janeiro's extravaganza of feasting, festivities and fun on Carnaval weekend. Among the highlights will be live music for dancing, an eclectic buffet and the opportunity to dress in costume. Guests who pay by February 3 will get a $10 discount and express check- in on the night of the event. Help Needed. President Marianne appealed for volunteers. "We really need help. We can't do it by ourselves," she said. Fund A Need. When we distributed the survey asking members what they wanted at fundraising events, some people suggested that we do a Fund -a - Need item in the live auction. Judy Wilson explained that it involves identifying a specific need and then asking people to make contributions. The need will be a Rotary garden at the Tiburon -Belvedere Library. The landscape architect's plans call for converting the space between the library and Town Hall into a pedestrian plaza that will make an attractive entrance to downtown Tiburon and lead to an expanded Zelinsky Park. Library director Debbie Mazzolini says we're the first to offer to contribute, making us community leaders who are setting an example for other groups, whom she hopes will also take on part of the landscaping and help to create a true community garden. Joe Lavigne expressed his hope that the library will give Rotary appropriate recognition, unlike the Landmarks Society, which allowed only a tiny sign that is no longer visible after we put in new landscaping at the Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum. Sponsorships. George Landau reported that he had picked up a check for a sponsorship from Ancient Olive Trees, whose owner George met when he volunteered at theTiburon Challenger. George added that we have lots of space for advertising in the program, and he would like members to make recommendations for potential advertisers. All you have to do is tell George whom, and he will follow up. You received a list of people who do business in the community in an email before the holidays, and he asks that members review it and identify prospects. President Marianne reported that she plans to ask Rustic Bakery to be a sponsor.Their new shop is opening at the Boardwalk on February 14. Live Auction."We already have some very nice live auction items,"said President Marianne, and among them are a stay at Nick's Cove and dinner at Tony's Oyster House in West Marin, thanks to Charlie Oewel. "I'm very pleased we've got an auctioneer," she added. Mike Fish, a member of one of the Novato Rotary clubs, has agreed to be the auctioneer, and Marilyn Nemzer says he's incredible. He and Gus Strotz worked together, and Mike said he would be honored to be our auctioneer. GOOD TIMES, BAD TIMES George Landau had a birthday at the end of the year, and he made a donation to Rotaplast, and that was his bell ringer.... Dave Albert's good time was seeing Mike Keran on the front page of The Ark in a story about his work at the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room in San Rafael every month. David used to volunteer but has a tremor, and no longer does it, because it's difficult to scrape food off the ceiling.... President Marianne was pleased to see the article, because many people don't know what Rotary is. She recently had a friend ask what President Marianne's pin represents, and so she sent her some information. Mike Keran said someone from the newspaper approached him in October, and then he forgot about it."There are a lot of good volunteer groups in Rotary, so I have no idea why they picked me," he said. ... John Kaufmann's best time volunteering at St. Vincent's happened when Jon Rankin was also there. "He knew everyone who was in that line," he said. He recommends the experience highly. If you'd like to volunteer, you simply ask Mike to put your name on his volunteer list, and he'll send you an email each month. All you have to do is say whether or not you are available and show up if you are. Mike reported that the turnout of diners is about 200, although it was considerably higher during the recession. John added that the food is interesting. Restaurants donate dishes, and it's a mystery what's in some of them. St. Vincent's also receives wonderful desserts from high-end bakeries. Joe Ernst saw a 6 -year-old kid on television who looked exactly like George Landau. "Same style of hair, everything. ... The spitting image," he said. CONVERSATION A conversation about President Obama's action on gun control and comments on the citizenship of presidential candidates followed. However, as Rotary is usually considered a non-political organization, some members were uncomfortable with political discourse and found it inappropriate. Bob Zimmerman pointed out that a Rotary club in New Hampshire had hosted a presidential candidates debate that was on television, drawing attention to the fact that it's a difficult issue. DRAWING "There are so many," said Joe Lavigne, as he drew a white marble. He'll try again next time. SUGGESTION Charles Arnold has a good used sewing machine to sell, and he suggested that we put items for sale in the Tuesday Tattler and pay Rotary a fee for the service if the item sells. Members agreed to try out the idea. Be a gift to the world CarnavaLf. • ..oto: .; • • �••Q i • •.e • ie.. •• 'B 7 �' • ''s'0 it e 071.1 • oe Musky Feasting & Revery 5:30-9 p.m., Saturday, February 6, 2.016 St. Stephen's Church 3 Bayview Avenue, Belvedere $80 at the door/ $70 in advance Send checks to the Rotary Club of Tiburon - Belvedere to P.O. Box 220, Tiburon, CA 94920 by February 3 A benefit for the outreach programs of the Rotary Club of Tiburon -Belvedere ROTARY CLUB OF TIBURON-BELVEDERE Chartered June 27, 1977 The Four -Way Test of things we think, say and do Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? NEWS & INFORMATION ONLINE Website: under construction News & Updates: www.telli.com/page/rotary Activities: www.facebook.com/tbrotary CE� CONSERVATIC � LEAGUE Artificial turf: more environmental cons than pros? by Pat Nelson Surf the internet and you will find endless ads touting the virtues of artificial turf: Save 70 percent on your water bill; free yourself from air- and noise -polluting mowers and blowers; give up fertilizers and chemicals; and enjoy a care -free lawn with a life expectancy of up to 25 years. Such claims prompt the question: Does artificial turf offer a solution in drought -prone climates? Or is it too good to be true? This conundrum has been debated by environmentalists since AstroTurf first began appearing on sports fields in the late 1960s. Certainly modern artificial turf has changed since the early days of AstroTurf, which resembled thick carpet on top of concrete. Today's product consists of synthetic fibers, generally with an infill of sand and rubber. It has become popular in many sports at all levels to reduce water use and maintenance while achieving the consistency of natural grass fields. It turns out that artificial turf is not a problem -free way to reduce water use in times of drought. Dan Carney, Water Conservation Manager at Marin Municipal Water District made this clear in a presentation at the October 2015 meeting of MCL's Continued on page 10 Old business in the New Year Corte Madera's much -maligned 180 -unit Tam Ridge Residences is an opportunity to test the model of transit -oriented development in Marin County. by Nona Dennis ost of us welcome the New Year as a time to reflect on the past year and turn over a new leaf in the new one. Land use issues don't work that way. Old business simply carries forward into the new calendar year without fanfare. After all, some issues have been around for decades. For 2016, three long -pending land use issues are on MCL's radar and will require continued tracking. Also, there is a fourth issue that was approved in 2009 without comment from MCL or others for which 2016 provides an opportunity to test whether the premises that support transit -oriented development work in Marin. Easton Point (Martha Property) Definitely the longest running land use case in Marin County, "Easton Point" has been a focus of MCL attention since 1976. At that time a stipulated court judgment Diu Porker promised the landowners a minimum development of 43 residences for this 110 - acre ridge land site at the southeast end of Tiburon Peninsula, with unparalleled views of Raccoon Strait, Angel Island, San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate. Forty years and several draft EIRs later, the disposition of the land remains unresolved. According to informal reports, the owners, Continued on page 8 IN THIS ISSUE- President's message—page 2 Ron Miska retires—page 2 In memoriam—page 3 Events—page 4 Agricultural land use—page 5 New Director profile—page 5 Parks and open space—page 6 MMWD forest health—page 11 PAGE 1 A Message from the President—Conservation in a Changing World onservation in a changing world— that is the important theme that will permeate all of the issues MCL will focus on in 2016. While biodiversity isn't static in space or time, and natural systems evolve and change, the pressures on ecosystems around the world are .increasing. Accelerating rates of change in climate and land use (due to growing population and development) are altering our world in many ways, pushing species past their thresholds of environmental tolerance and jeopardizing their abilities to adapt. Changes due to invasion by non-native plants and altered watercourses are adding to these challenges. Marin County has a unique landscape. A large percentage of what were once private lands are now protected public lands that separate and define our towns and neighborhoods. Preserving our large parks and open spaces and managing their ability to support intact, healthy ecosystems is evermore essential. Likewise, protecting important ecosystem functions on private lands, like restoring creeks and preserving healthy soil, are also important. How we act now will impact many generations to come. In order to meet our conservation goals, we must continue to learn the science of our natural systems and local ecology; we must understand the challenges and changes we face in both the short term and the long term; and armed with this knowledge, we must continue to participate actively in local decision-making. The late Marin County environmentalist and MCL past president, Jean Starkweather, who worked for many years to protect open space, wetlands, and other habitats, said, "It's been a pleasure living in this community ... It's been a wonderful place to live. And, to have some effect on how it should grow is very satisfying. You don't win everything you want to win, but if you're not in there, you're not going to win at all, and maybe things will turn out not so well. So you've got to keep at it and encourage other people to take an interest in their local area, because it really matters when people take an interest." Successfully navigating and adapting to the changes ahead will require the continuing efforts of all of us. We hope you will join us at our January Business - Environment Breakfast to learn more about water supply issues in California, at our committee meetings, and at other MCL events throughout the year. Keep us in the loop in your efforts and environmental interests. From all of us at MCL, we wish you a productive, healthy, and satisfying 2016. Ron Miska retires from Marin by Linda Novy Ron Miska, Assistant Director of Marin County Parks Department, retired at the end of December, 2015. After 27 years, his mark on the department and on the landscape of Marin County is indelible and will endure long after his departure, in part because he leaves behind an effective Parks Department to carry his work forward. The story of his journey from a park planner to Assistant Director, through reorganizations and transitions, warrants telling. Ron's career has included work in private, non-profit, and public sectors. He first worked with Bay Area landscape architecture firms after graduating from the University of Michigan in 1982 with a Masters degree in Landscape Architecture. In 1986 he tested the waters of public service, joining the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District as a contract consultant. The following summer, Ron PAGE 2 moved East with his wife Deborah to take a position with the Housatonic Valley Association, a regional land trust that works to conserve the natural character and environment of western Connecticut and Massachusetts. There, Ron honed his entrepreneurial skills, convincing local land owners that placing conservation easements on their property made financial and environmental sense. In December 1988, Ron returned with his family to the Bay Area after securing the job of Assistant Open Space and Park Planner with Marin County. Ron's real estate background in Connecticut proved to be invaluable in this new position. Working under Fran Brigmann, then Planning and Acquisition Manager, Ron learned the ropes of public open space acquisition. He was to go on adding thousands of acres to Marin County's open space system, including new preserves (Gary Giacomini, Old St. Hilary's, ,,to) County Parks White Hill, Bald Hill) and additions to many others. When Fran was promoted to Director, Ron took over the Planning and Acquisition Manager role, and eventually served as Deputy Director and Assistant Director under multiple Directors and Interim Directors. It is noteworthy that during reorganizations and leadership transitions, Ron continued to improve the department's organization, budget process, performance planning, communications, and other business functions. Ron also shepherded the development of the 2008 Marin County Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan, Ron regards his recent collaboration with Linda Dahl, Director from 2010 to 2015, as an exceptional time in the department's history with far reaching achievements, among them the passage of Measure A— Continued on page 7 In Memoriam Jean Starkweather— Champion of Marin's Environment arin County lost a gentle and diminutive giant when Jean Starkweather died in late November at the age of almost 86. Alert and interested in current environmental happenings in the county almost until the end, she had steadfastly pursued every path she took during her almost Go years in Marin without fanfare, whether it was to instill love of plants and wildlife in schoolchildren in the open spaces ofTerra Linda, her own three boys among them, and busloads of kids who visited Audubon Canyon Ranch over the years Jean was a docent – or to inspire by example the loyal birders who joined her monthly bird census along the East San Rafael Shoreline. These came naturally from her love of nature that drove all of her pursuits— that, and her firm belief that natural resources are valuable community resources, and people must work to protect them. When Jean and her husband John settled in San Rafael in 1956, she probably didn't expect to find herself knee-deep in environmental politics for the remainder of her life, although she and John shared a strong sense of civic responsibility. Environmental politics began almost by accident, however, according to long-time neighbor and friend Sue Beittel. In about 1968 the late George Ellman ofTiburon, Chair of the newly formed Marin Audubon Society Conservation Committee, gathered a small team, including Jean and Sue, and set out to identify Marin wetlands (evidenced by the presence of pickleweed). They divided the East Marin bayfront into sections and systematically inventoried the location of salt marshes, something that had never been done in Marin. By Jean's account, politics for her began when, in the early 197os, she saw a sign on the hills ofTerra Linda above the Starkweather home that advertised a new subdivision to come. She soon discovered what a "planning commission" was and how to thread her way through the development process.That land was saved from development and led, ultimately, to the acquisition of lands that make up the Terra Linda -Sleepy Hollow Divide Open Space Preserve. That was only the beginning. Her fascination with wetlands and knowledge of birds continued and eventually prompted her to focus on East San Rafael, as one former wetland parcel after another was slated for development. After years, she was able to see a few substantial pieces of wetland saved and the rough levee path along the bay become the improved Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park. And her regular census of birds using the shoreline continued. Jean's immersion in Marin County's environment would include extended terms on the Marin Audubon Society Board Jean Starkweather tallying species at the 2011 bird census in East San Rafael. (President from 1975 –'77), the Marin Conservation League Board (President from 1993 – '95), 40 years as a docent and generous supporter of Audubon Canyon Ranch, 20 -year member of the Marin County Parks and Open Space Commission (Chair for two years), the San Rafael 2020 General Plan update Citizens' Advisory Committee, and more, prompting awards for her achievements along the way. It is not surprising that the gathering of many friends and family in her memory on December 19th was indeed a celebration of her life! There were many stories to tell, but the common theme would be that Jean simply got things done in a patient and persuasive way—an example for all of us who share her vision of Marin. PAGE 3 Events , Friday, January 29, 7:30-9:00 a.m., Mclnnis Park Clubhouse Business—Environment Breakfast Armando Quintero Please join MCL and Armando Quintero, Executive Director of the Sierra Nevada Research Institute at UC Merced, at our January 29 Business -Environment Breakfast meeting. Armando serves on the Board of the Marin Municipal Water District and is Governor Brown's appointee to the California Water Commission. Hear about cutting edge research into water and climate and the challenges of planning for the controversial $2.7 billion piece of the Water Bond that is designated for the public benefit portion of water storage projects in California. Hear also about water management at MMWD, including the new water rate structure. Sponsored in part by: cac�win & oorword landscape contractors or� (8001891 - 7710 www.cagwln.com on water research and challenges The talk will take place at McInnis Park Golf Clubhouse, 350 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael at 7:30 AM. The fee is $15 for MCL members and $20 for the general public. A full breakfast buffet is included. Pre -registration is required by Jan. 25. Call MCL at 415-485-6257 to pay by phone, or register online at mclwaterbreakfast. eventbrite.com. Ticket price includes full breakfast buffet. Pre -registration required by Jan. 25. Make checks payableto MCL and moi! to: MCL; 175 N. Redwood Dr., Ste.. 135, San Rafael, CA 94903. To pay with credit card, ca11415-485-6257 or register online at mclwaterbreakfast eventbrite.com. Refunds given only if the event is canceled Armando Quintero MCL Holiday Party spirit 103 MCL members and their guests attended the annual holiday party on December 4 and contributed a full barrel of food and cash to the Marin Food Bank. Many thanks to all the MCL directors and staff for the food, decorations, and good time had by all! See you next year on Dec. 2. photos by Shannon Dahcrly,John Nygren and Susannah Clark PAGE 4 Clockwise from top right: Bob Spofford, Bill Carney, Tamra Peters; Novato Mayor Pat Eklund, Supervisor Damon Connolly, Assemblymernber Marc Levine; Kathy Gaines, Lindsay Boughey; food collected for the Food Bank; Kathy Cuneo, Roger Roberts. Marin leads in Governor's "Healthy Soils Initiative" by Judy Teichman For several years Marin agriculture and agroecology leaders have researched and innovated land management strategies designed to sequester carbon in rangeland soil through enhanced photosynthesis as an environmentally beneficial means of lowering the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. In 2012, MCL first brought the Marin Carbon Project (MCP) to the attention of its members at a Business -Environment Breakfast featuring University of California, Berkeley, Professor WhendeeSilver, principal scientific investigator for the Project. Over the next two years, MCL hosted two informative programs at the Nicasio Native Grass Ranch, owned by Project co-founder John Wick and his wife Peggy Rathman. By late 2013, the Carbon Project, largely a volunteer effort, had birthed several peer reviewed papers and the full-time non- profit Carbon Cycle Institute (CCI). Since that time, the MCL Agricultural Land Use Committee has tracked progress with John Wick and co -Founder Dr. Jeffrey Creque (MCL Newsletter January -February 2015). Thus it was with considerable interest that the Committee received an update on the Project at its quarterly meeting in late August, 2015. University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) farm advisor David Lewis, and Torri Estrada and Dr. Creque from the CCI, reviewed the evolution of efforts to implement carbon farm plans in Marin through collaboration with local ranchers and the MCP Implementation Task Force, including the Marin Resource Conservation District and the UCCE Service. Three carbon farm projects are underway in Marin, and carbon plans are in progress for 20 more ranches over the next three years. These Marin -based efforts have not gone unnoticed. In his January 2015 inaugural address, Governor Jerry Brown declared, "We must manage farm and rangelands, forests and wetlands so they can store carbon." California's 2015-2016 budget, signed by the governor last June, included $20 million for a "Healthy Soils Initiative." This will fund demonstration projects and provide incentives for California's agriculturalists to use practices that increase both sequestration of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water efficiency in soil. Dr. Whendee Silver For her ground -breaking contributions to the Marin Carbon Project, Dr. Silver was recently appointed UC Berkeley's first Faculty Climate Action Champion and awarded $25,000 to expand her work "in an interdisciplinary manner over the course of a year." In September 2015, ClimateWire, a new Scientific American website, featured an article by Camille von Kaenel, "Farms Harvest Cuts in Carbon Dioxide via Soil: Farming to improve crops and store more CO2 gains traction." The article quotes fourth-generation Marin rancher Loren Poncia, "[i]f the soil is healthier, everything is better: the grass, the cows and the pocket book." And "...using agricultural practices to sequester carbon is described as 'low -hanging fruit' in the fight against climate change" was the observation of another commentator. Marin and California are not alone in this endeavor. Efforts to implement agricultural practices that increase carbon sequestration in plant material and soils appear to be popping up in other states, and around the world as well, driven to no small degree by an emerging United States Department of Agriculture soil health campaign. Numerous articles in international publications that appeared in advance of the recent Paris Climate Conference revealed that France and other European countries are beginning to recognize the need to go beyond emissions reductions to engage the world's soils in helping to solve our global climate crisis. New Director Profile Patricia Nelson, San Rafael Patricia is an attorney who practices in the areas of government contract and environmental law. She has a particular interest in water issues and the ways in which water affects land use and energy decision-making. She has completed the Master Class at the Environmental Forum of Marin and has served on the Forum board since 2013. She also writes environmental poetry and works with the "Activist" group of poets led by John Hart. PAG E. 5 Parks and Open Space Newsbriefs Muir Woods MOU On January 6, 6:30 - 8:30 at Tam Valley Community Center, the public will have an opportunity to learn about progress on implementing the MOU between the County and the National Park Service (NPS) concerning parking management on Muir Woods Road. The MOU was signed by the County last year, and NPS' signature is awaiting the completion of an Environmental Assessment on the planned Muir Woods reservation system, a key element in the agreement. The public submitted comments on the EA late last year. It remains for NPS to review comments and complete the process later this spring. In the meantime, the County and NPS, along with California Department of Parks and Recreation ("State Parks"), were to begin collaborative actions pursuant to the MOU, including installing barriers, signs, and fencing to restrict parking; hiring additional ranger staff to enforce parking restrictions; and instituting best management practices to prevent polluted runoff from entering Redwood Creek. East Peak, Mt. Tamalpais State Park State Parks will soon begin a planning process to develop a Facilities Management Plan (FMP) for the East Peak area of Mt. Tamalpais State Park. The FMP will identify a cohesive vision for recreation and other uses of East Peak, building on ideas that emerged from a design charette that was conducted in 2010 and 2011. The State Park property follows Ridgecrest Blvd. from approximately Mountain Theater, encircles the East Peak, but is otherwise surrounded by lands of MMWD, including the fire look -out at the top of the peak. It is a popular destination, especially because of its spectacular 360 -degree views from the accessible Verna Dunstan Trail. Other amenities on East Peak include visitor information, a reconstructed Gravity Car barn, picnic facilities—and an extensive asphalt parking lot. MCL will keep members and others informed when online and PAGE 6 meeting activities commence. West Peak, Mt. Tamalpais MMWD, in partnership with Tamalpais Lands Collaborative (OneTam), will begin a long -anticipated feasibility study in 2016 to consider the scale and scope of restoring the 106 -acre site of a former Air Force station to some level of ecological, cultural, and historic integrity. It is difficult now to imagine that the U.S. maintained a vigilant presence on this site from 1950 throughout much of the Cold War, and was prepared to launch jet interceptors and short range Nike nuclear missiles against a Soviet attack that never materialized. Dozens of buildings, barracks, roads, and other infrastructure served an entire community of military men who manned the radar station, some with families. Little has been done to clean up the site since the base was abandoned in 1980, leaving behind dilapidated structures, including a bowling alley and sewage facility, acres of foundation slabs, and miles of fencing. How, and to what condition, the site should be restored will be considered by the study. The 22 -minute documentary Invisible Peak by the West Peak's unofficial "historian" Gary Yost of Mill Valley, offers outstanding images of the site and its history. It is available for free download at invisiblepeak.com. Draft Inclusive Access Plan Over the past year, Marin County Parks has been developing a plan to increase recreational opportunities and access to enable people of all abilities to explore the many landscapes of the County's 34 open space preserves. Aided by input from Continued on page 7 The former Air Force station on the West Peak of Mt. Tamalpais was abandoned in 1980. A study will determine the feasibility of restoring the site. Gory Yost, gory`ost.rom Parks briefs from page 6 public workshops and several focus group sessions, the Draft Inclusive Access Plan incorporates accessible design standards, guidelines for signage and trailhead amenities for people of all abilities, and a system for selecting appropriate destination -oriented trails that offer a range of open space experiences. The Plan also summarizes current state, federal and county requirements, standards, and best - practice guidelines relating to accessibility in open space areas, and establishes policies to respond to rapid technological change, for example in the use of Other Power - Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD) on open space trails. The Plan identifies candidates for "Destination Oriented" trails on the county open space preserves that could, with relatively minor improvements, meet accessibility standards. Public review of the Draft Plan closed last December 3, and the Final Draft Plan and environmental documents will be released later this spring. MCL submitted comments on the Plan, supporting in general the goal of increasing access for all abilities, at the same time cautioning against proposing any physical improvements (widening, resurfacing, etc.) to trails that will impact sensitive habitat areas. MCL also cautioned against the possible abuse of disability status to justify illegal use of OPDMDs like electric bikes on other preserve roads and trails. MCL will continue to track progress of the Plan. Preparation of the Inclusive Morin County Convention and Visitor Bureot, A signpost at Old Mine Trail in Mt. Tam State Park indicates wheelchair accessibility. Access Plan has been made possible by funding from Measure A. GGNRA The GGNRA Dog Management Plan and EIS, which has been in development for 10 years, will surface again for public comment early 2016 as a Notice of Proposed Rule Making. The Notice will be open to comment for 60 days. Final action on the Plan is expected late this fall. The Plan will be on the MCL Park and Open Space Committee's agenda as soon as NPS publishes the Notice, and we expect to note any specific changes from earlier versions. MCL will review its previous position, which, in general, recognizes the need for appropriate management of dogs on GGNRA lands that allows recreational pleasure for dogs and dog -owners while also assuring the full protection of vegetation and wildlife and the safety and well-being of other visitors. Callie enjoys the view of Rodeo Beach. Oro Porker, 20f3 Miska frompage2 the parks, open space and farmland sales tax measure—in November 2012; and development and adoption of the Road and Trail Management Plan. Over his 27 years, Ron helped the department "grow from being just planners and rangers," to the mature organization it is today. Examples include the Natural Resources and Science Program and the Communications Program, both of which Ron helped establish. These and other programs now provide a strong framework that enables the department to meet its goals and be responsive to the citizens it serves. This would not have been possible without Ron's internal drive to "leave something better than he found it." Marin is clearly better in several ways, thanks to Ron Miska. He is responsible, either directly, or through staff and partnering with citizens' groups, for acquiring more than half of the Marin County Open Space District's acreage. Ron has modeled integrity that inspires others. He has focused on cultivating team work and setting high standards, inspired by a steadfast commitment to serve the parks and open space and the public good of Marin County. His absence will be significant, yet, he leaves behind an organization that is highly capable due to his example and influence. The next chapter of "Renaissance Ron's" life will reveal itself in new and interesting ways, as he has a passion for wood and metalworking, instrument making (ukuleles!), restoration and recycling of vintage furniture and English bicycles, baking, fermenting foods, and in other ways he does not yet know. Whatever he does, Ron Miska will continue to serve the public good. Marin is grateful for his service! PAGE 7 Old business from page 1 who intend to develop and sell 43 building sites for very large residences, are seeking ways to provide adequate water pressure, resolve traffic safety issues on Paradise Drive, and mitigate the projected loss of rare plant populations. Myriad other health, safety, and biological constraints must be resolved before a Final EIR can be certified and the project can proceed to merit hearings. In the meantime, the Tiburon Open Space Committee continues to seek strategies to acquire all or part of the site as open space, adjoining Old St. Hilary's and Tiburon Uplands Nature Preserves, owned by the County Open Space District. Twice in the past 14 months, MCL has sent letters to the Reed family (descendants of John L Reed, who purchased the land in 1923) urging them to meet with the Trust for Public Lands to explore alternatives to the costly delays and anticipated future legal battles with neighbors that their further pursuit of development will surely bring. To date the owners have not responded. Meanwhile, MCL is waiting in the wings while the Tiburon Open Space Committee pursues funding sources that could be viewed by the Reed family as earnest money for an acquisition. Hamilton Fields Sports Park First proposed in 2012 as a 78 -acre multi -sports complex located off Hamilton Way, the Hamilton Fields Sports Park is back before the city of Novato, and is now reduced to 55 acres. The complex would include a 12 -acre community park, four baseball fields and a 1,000 -seat ballpark for high school and collegiate sports. Regardless of the reduction in size (the hotel in the 2012 proposal has since been removed), the project has met with strong opposition from Hamilton neighbors. The developers call it a "public-private partnership" in which they provide parks to the public at no cost to the community. Opponents call it a "commercial for-profit enterprise" that will attract many out-of- town visitors and produce traffic, noise and disruptive night lighting. The proposal has a long way to go before any decisions are reached. In addition to public meetings and reviews by various city commissions, the Environmental Impact Report process will extend at least through 2017. The MCL North Marin Unit is tracking the proposal as the City continues to review the complete plan and will submit issues to be addressed in an EIR at the appropriate time. Strawberry—Seminary site As 2016 begins, the application by North Coast Land Holdings to develop a new Branson School campus on this prime site in the Strawberry community near Mill Valley is barely off the ground, and already the opposition—much of the resident community—is well organized. Neighboring communities along this congested stretch of the 101 corridor are also very interested. The site may prove to be one of the most debated land use issues in Marin in recent history. Until its recent sale, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary occupied the 126 -acre site since the mid 1950s. Then it was a bare, almost treeless campus. After a number of expansions and transformations, the Seminary obtained an approved Master Hamilton Fields Sports Park is proposed for Landfill 26 and its buffer area. Dru Porker PAGE 8 Plan in 1984. (See MCL Newsletter March - April 2011) Some, but not all, of the elements in the Master Plan were implemented. In 2011, the Seminary sought to amend the Plan and subdivide the campus to reflect a changing student body and reduced needs for campus housing (the so-called "Hart Plan"). Among other elements, the amendment would have authorized building a new chapel on a top knoll of the campus and selling off the scenic Seminary Point for development of 38 market rate residences. The plan would represent a radical change in the character of the campus. Neighbors began organizing at that time, and the Seminary withdrew its plans. In the ensuing four years, the beautiful but embattled site has figured prominently, first in the community's opposition to establishing a Planned Development Area, pursuant to Plan Bay Area, covering the lands fronting Highway 101, including the Seminary site; and more recently, in community meetings convened by Supervisor Kate Sears to allow ample time for residents to discuss the future and develop aVision Plan including the Seminary site. In the meantime, the Seminary found its best interests were served by selling the site, consolidating its facilities elsewhere, and building its endowment. North Coast Land Holdings, representing a private fund, purchased the site for $85 million with the intent of redeveloping the campus to allow for future growth of Branson School from a Town of Ross -imposed cap of 320 students to an eventual 1,000. The plan also calls for developing 304 units of housing, 20 percent of which would be affordable. The applicants say that they are working within the development parameters of the 1984 Master Plan, which allowed up to 1,000 students. Opposing neighbors and many others claim otherwise: transforming the Seminary's lightly -used graduate campus with modest on-site housing for students and faculty into a 1,000 -student per day high school with 200 employees, a regional 1,000 seat sports complex, and Continued on page 9 Old business frompage8 Architect's rendering of the proposed development at the Seminary site in Strawberry. Full plans are available for public review at marincounty.org/depts/cd/ divisions/planning/projects. new venue for events and weddings, plus 304 rental units that are considerably larger than the units they would replace, would represent a radical change in the character of the campus and be inconsistent with both the Strawberry Community Plan and the 1984 Master Plan itself. Traffic, parking, and school events and activities promise to be central topics of debate. In a recent action before a crowd of 300, the Strawberry Design Review Board agreed that the application to the County was not complete. This is an early step in a process that will likely entail some modifications to the plan, and, if it indeed survives, require an Environmental Impact Report before merit hearings can begin. This process could stretch over the next two to three years. Clearly what happens on the Seminary site will have regional implications_ MCL has not taken an official position but can agree with the Design Review Board's conclusions at this stage of the process. Tam Ridge Residences (WinCup) What will 2016 hold for the much - maligned 180 -unit Tam Ridge Residences (WinCup) complex, located adjacent to Highway 101 on Tamal Vista in Corte Madera, when it finally opens and becomes populated? Over the three years during which the four-story buildings have taken shape within full view of thousands of x en U passing motorists on 101, the public has had ample time to dub it the poster child of everything they claim they don't want: density, bulk and mass, more traffic, and insufficient parking. Will WinCup residents walk, bike, or take transit? Will it work? But wait! Isn't this also an opportunity for Tam Ridge Residences to prove itself a model for compact transit -oriented, walk- able, bike -able development? Golden Gate Transit buses on 101 within a stone's throw; five to ten-minute walk for groceries at Trader Joe's, or exotic teas and spices at Cost Plus World Market; 15 -minute walk to Town Center for restaurants, numerous stores selling a variety of goods, a gym, spa, and more; "Safe Routes" to both a high school and an elementary school; five minutes to daily book talks and classes at a local book store; easy access to walkways and open space; a 20 -minute invigorating walk to a public library, with coffee en route; and professional service providers across the street. The question is: Will it work? Who will live in the apartments—seniors, families with children, single professionals? And will residents really park their cars and walk, bike, or take public transit to their destinations? Or will traffic increase along an already congested corridor or at local intersections? Will a concept that other parts of the Bay Area are embracing work in Marin? MCL did not comment on the planned project in its early stages; it was buried within the updated Corte Madera General Plan, approved in 2009, and within the EIR on that Plan. Although the Grand Jury reviewed the ten-year decision process that led to approval of the project and found no evidence of misconduct, it noted that the proposal should have had full public review in a separate EIR. Regardless of recent history, we can begin 2016 by evaluating the relative success of a transit -oriented development in meeting its goals. IIIiIIII llll;!;ill V ,; Units at Tam Ridge Residences, located at the site of the former WinCup factory in Corte Madera, will soon be ready for occupancy. PAGE 9 Tu rf from page 1 Land Use and Transportation Committee. Carney, after extensive research, believes that the advertised benefits of artificial turf are significantly outweighed by its environmental impacts and potential risks to health. He described drawbacks perhaps not widely known to the well- meaning home gardener, manager of public spaces, or sports field proprietor. An informed decision, he said, would weigh the following factors against manufacturer claims that artificial turf reduces water use, maintenance cost, and pesticide and fertilizer runoff: • Artificial turf reduces biodiversity in the landscape, diminishing its value as habitat and impeding its ability to resist disease and insect pests. • Covering soil with "plastic carpet" effectively kills the soil by reducing microbial activity. We lose several environmental benefits when we lose healthy soil, including the ability to cycle nutrients and filter pollutants. Healthy soil is a critical part of the water cycle. In addition to purifying water, it has a greater capacity than sterile soil to hold water during heavy rainfall. • Artificial turf exacerbates climate change in several ways. Production of plastic carpet entails significant greenhouse gas emissions, particularly when transportation and life -cycle costs are considered. And unlike real vegetation, artificial turf has no ability to sequester carbon. • Covering soil with plastic carpet creates a heat island and produces ground -level ozone. The temperature of artificial turf can reach up to 177 degrees on an 85 degree day. It can be hotter than asphalt by 30 degrees. For this reason, professional sports field managers are now required to install irrigation systems and may have to use them hourly to reduce the heat load. • Artificial turf, which contains polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyurethane, is not easily recycled. Forty million tons of discarded artificial turf end up in landfills every year. There is little PAGE 10 infrastructure for recycling artificial turf, and only one in every eleven thousand plastic fields is recycled. • Artificial turf contributes to water pollution. Chemicals in the artificial turf can be mobilized and run off directly into storm drains and waterways without the beneficial filtration effect that a living landscape provides. Zinc, selenium, lead, cadmium, and other pollutants may leach into the groundwater from the crumb rubber underlayment of the carpet, but more research needs to be done (http:// www.ehhi.orgf reports/turf/ ). • Plastic fritters (breaks up into tiny pellets) when it is exposed to sunlight, releasing highly persistent pollutants. • Artificial turf can cause or contribute to injuries when it is used as a playing field by children as well as older athletes. In addition to burns resulting from the heat effect, artificial turf has a higher grip than live turf and places stress on joints and bones. For all of these reasons, artificial turf is not eligible for state or local "cash for grass" rebate programs. (Check whether North Marin Water District offers cash for g rass.) Carney also questioned advertised claims that artificial turf is maintenance free. Although consumers may eliminate an irrigation system, artificial turf that doesn't get washed off requires regular use of sweepers and rakes to smooth A newly installed artificial turf soccer field at Redwood High School in Larkspur. out the turf and to avoid degradation of the plastic materials. User must spray it with anti -statics and anti-microbials to disinfect plastic that is exposed to animal waste or to the sweat and blood of people playing sports. Over time, artificial turf gets compacted and requires aeration. And users must install a costly drainage system under the "carpet." The crumb rubber filling con be scuffed up by players' cleats. Many of the problems with artificial turf can be traced to the use of crumb rubber in the manufacturing process. Crumb rubber has been used historically to fill in Continued ori page 11 • Tu rf from page 10 the spaces between the plastic blades of artificial turf. Particularly in the early days, the crumb rubber was composed of discarded tires, ground up for reuse. Used tires contain known carcinogens that are impossible to detoxify because the vulcanization process locks them in, and they are subject to off -gassing, a major concern in enclosed spaces. Currently, the crumb rubber filling is more likely to be made of recycled tennis shoes or virgin rubber. And some artificial turf manufacturers make a product woven like carpet, without crumb rubber. In summing up, Carney noted that artificial turf may be a good fit for some uses, such as sports fields that are heavily used year round or are in locations where grass cannot be grown or properly maintained. (Note that several Marin schools, such as Redwood High School, pictured,) have replaced sports fields with artificial turf.) Consumers should do their homework, however, and weigh the environmental and other risks before making a costly investment. Carney offered several weblinks for further research: Evaluation of Health Effects of Recycled Waste Tires: http://www. calrecycle.ca.gov/publications/Documentsf Ti reso/o5C62206013. pdf Synthetic Turf Council (Industry Advocate) White Papers: http://www. syntheticturfcouncil,org/?page=White_ Papers FieldTurf Maintenance Guideline: http:// www.fieldturf.comisitesifieldturflassets/ FT_Maintenance%20Guidelines.pdf US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health Studies: http://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=synthetic +turf+fields MMWD researches forest health—a follow-up tour by Nona Dennis On a recent November field trip, a small group joined MMWD Director Larry Bragman and District watershed managers on a tour to observe first- hand just what Janet Klein, MMWD's Natural Resource Program Manager, meant when she told the MCL Parks and Open Space Committee recently that, "We can no longer take our forests (on the watershed) for granted." (See MCL Newsletter September -October 2015) The inspection traversed redwood and Douglas fir forest along Bolinas Ridge between the top of Shafter Grade and the Bolinas- Fairfax Road. More than half of MMWD's 21,000 - acre watershed is forested. As the forest canopy has opened due to the 80 percent mortality of tanoak trees from Sudden Oak Death, and in the absence of naturally occurring fire, much of the forest floor is now overwhelmed by an impenetrable brush understory—a catastrophic wildfire waiting to happen. The group learned about the forest history and saw examples of existing conditions contrasted with forest stands where the brush understory had been cleared. MMWD watershed staff demonstrated the clearing process, deploying a machine that literally chews up all brush and small trees in its path and, with the help of manual labor, spreads the resulting material as thick mulch on the forest floor. Research now under way will help determine how treated and untreated control plots compare in their capacity to store carbon, optimize water yield, respond to wildfire, provide habitat, adapt to climate change, and serve other ecosystem functions of a healthy forest. From top: Dense understory before clearing; MMWD Watershed staff explains the use of the equipment to the group; An area of cleared forest. MMWD Nono Dennis PAGE 11 Winter 201G In this issue of emit* c Vitamin D 1 Chair's Message 2 Book Review 2 Save the Date: Area Plan Presentation 2 Who is in Charge? 3 Elder Orphans 4 Legislative Updates 4 Live Long, Live Well5 Hospital to Home 6 Journal Quilts 6 Positive In -Home Care Relationships 7 Meeting Schedule 8 Editor Amy Dietz, MPH Editorial Board Marge Belknap, M.D. Allan Bortel Mitzi Kemp Jim Monson Sylvia Landman Published By Marin County Area Agency on Aging Lee Pullen, Director A Primer on Vitamin D By Maly Louise Zernicke With Winter upon us, we are inclined to bundle up and stay indoors, decreasing our exposure to sunshine and natural Vitamin D. There is no shortage of research articles about Vitamin D. It is difficult to think of a common disease that has not been associated with Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is associated with reduced risk of bone fractures, falling, several kinds of cancers, several kinds of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, macular degeneration, and even chronic pain. Vitamin D is the nutrient older adults are most likely to be at risk for being deficient. Assessing blood levels of 25 -hydroxy- vitamin D is the only method to make a diagnosis of Vitamin D deficiency. Ask your doctor to get your Vitamin D levels checked, if you have not already done so. Although we call it a vitamin, there are not many good food sources of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is added to milk, some yogurts, and some orange juices. Large cold water fishes, such as herring or salmon, also contain Vitamin D. It is virtually impossible for an older adult to get enough Vitamin D from food to avoid defaciency. Older adults need to either get regular exposure to sunlight or take Vitamin D supplements. Experts recommend that you expose your hands, arms and face to direct sunlight about three times weekly for 15-20 minutes --not long enough to get a sunburn. If you plan to stay in the sun for longer than 20 minutes, simply put on sunscreen. Both sunscreen and glass can prevent the skin from absorbing Vitamin D. As we age, our skin absorbs less than 1/2 of this vitamin than when we were younger, and dark skin absorbs much less than light skin. Overweight and obese people need more Vitamin D. The National Academy of Sciences recommends that all older adults take a Vitamin D supplement. This government agency of nutrition experts suggests that older adults take 800 International Units (IUs) daily with a maximum intake of 2000 IUs daily. Many experts believe that 800 IUs daily is too low, and encourage seniors to take 1000-2000 lUs daily. If you take a supplement, pay attention to the following: • Do not take over 2000 IUs daily. Check other supplements you take, especially calcium, to see if any contain Vitamin D. • As with all supplements, look for the USP symbol on the label and buy from a reputable company. • Look for Vitamn D3, or cholecalciferol, on the label. • Take your Vitamin D supplement with food containing at least sorne fat, or the supplement will not be absorbed (Vitamin D is called a "fat soluble" vitamin for this reason.) There are sensible reasons to believe that it is critical to good health. Talk to your doctor to learn more. Mag y Louise Zernicke is a Registered Dietician for the Area Agen fy on Aging (AAA). Message from the Commission Chair By Teti Dowling Dear Readers, I really love Winter; the day light hours getting shorter and the temperature dropping. I've enjoyed the gatherings of family and friends for the holidays, cooking hardy stews, and baking pumpkin pies. We had a number of events and accomplishments this past Fall. On September 241h, the Commission's Health and Nutrition Committee held a highly successful event. Over 95 people attended a showing at the Rafael Theatre of the remarkable PBS presentation `Being Mortal." The film and the discussion that followed was inspiring. If you've not read the book that this PBS film is based on, Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande, you should - it's excellent. October brought the annual Marin County Senior Fair held at the Marin Civic Center. It was a grand event with over 4,000 people attending. This fall season welcomed an exciting new website developed and sponsored by the Marin County Aging and Adult Services: www.livelonglivewellmarin.org (See article on pg. 4). Finally, the Commission on Aging commissioners and the Aging and Adult Service staff worked to design and distribute a survey to understand the needs and concerns of older adults in the county. Over 3,000 people responded. This survey, along with other data and community input will help determine the county's goals, activities and funding priorities for the next four years. Stay tuned for the results. Wannest regards, Teri Being Mortal: Book Review By Geoff Fey White and Betty Hutson Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End is written by a physician, Atual Gawande. This is one of the most cxtraordinary'boo1 sfor tlie"lagfian on the subject of aging and dead-r`eothave been published in many years. "When the prevailing fantasy is that we can be ageless, the geriatrician's uncomfortable demand is that we accept we are not," he writes. True, some of what it has to say is not really new, but it does also contain genuine innovations in our thinking on the subject, and all of the material is presented in a compelling and forthright Manner commanding our respect. I doubt that this book can be read by any aged, or even a sensitive younger person, without a sense that Gawande has accepted our true thoughts and fears in this area as he deals with his father's final days. Geoffry White and Betty I-I,,tson are residents at the Tai»palpais. Save the Date: April 7, 2015 The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) will be presenting its 2016-2020 Area Plan on Thursday April 7, 2015 from 10:00 am — 11:00 am at the San Rafael Community Center. Your participation in this process is important. Details can be found on the back of this newsletter or by calling 415 -457 -INFO (4636). 2 Who Is In Charge? By Ma jorie Belknap, M.D. For those of our readers who are older (mature) adults over the age of 60, or fast approaching it, this article will be a reminder that everyone is giving advice on healthy aging. What if all of the adults we are talking about had options to change the prospect of the development of one of the most dreaded diseases we know? It might be only a matter of individual choice. Although a number of chronic medical conditions have as their major risk factor the phase of life known as aging, only a few are treatable to make them more tolerable and less life- threatening, including: cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure, among others. In recent years, cases of Alzheimer's Disease and various other dementias have increased dramatically and have become the sixth most frequent cause of death in the United States. indicated), exercise, and the use of specific herbs and spices, have not been a part of 2. research protocol. In addition, there have not been large groups to document the results of such comprehensive programs. Efforts are being made to extend the investigation of the effects on prevention, treatment, and prolonged management of Alzheimer's Disease with larger groups. The program will have a number of specific life-style and nutritional elements, which will be closely monitored in the volunteer participants. All of these components are a part of healthy living and aging, there should be no harmful side effects which can be a t' problem with any medication as the sole element in a program being tested. Until recently, research on the cause and possible treatment for Alzheimer's Disease, the most common of all the Dementias, has been concentrated on medication to slow the progress of this disabling condition. Basic knowledge of chemical changes in the brain has resulted in the development of several medications which may improve memory and cognition for brief periods, but then suddenly lose their effectiveness. At this point, the progress of the disease accelerates to an alarming degree. Dr. Dale Bredesen at the Buck Institute for Aging, along with other researchers, has noted a few cases which have been reported to alter or reverse the classic symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease with a more holistic approach. If research demonstrated that we could impact the chances of diagnosis by following specific recommendations in diet, exercise options, alcohol abstention or decrease, sleep needs, reduced chronic stress, attention to dental health, and other possible life-style changes - how many of us would choose to do it? The goal of all of the above would be to control the problem of not only Alzheimer's Disease, but increase general health. In addition, some medications might then be useful to complement or enhance the benefits of such a program. Photograph by Marianne Gontarz York This multifaceted approach, if documented to be effective, would make some of us able to choose to be in charge of what happens next. Stag tinned These cases, which have used a comprehensive approach with dietary changes, supplements (when 3 For more information about Alzheimer's and resources in Marin, contact the Alzheimer's Associations at (415) 472-4340. Dr. AMlatjorie Belknap is the former Chair of the Connnission on Aging Live Long, Live Well By Marianne Gonfarr York Earlier this year, 1 volunteered to be a part of the County's 'Live Long ,Live Well' campaign. As a Com- missioner, 1 was thrilled to join the County of Marin's Media Team to let people know about .activities and programs for those of us over 60. We wanted to get the word out that the County, through Aging and Adult Services, is actively planning for the needs. of our longevity boom. Our efforts were forged by the following facts for those of us 60+ living in Marin: • We are the fasted growing age group in Marin. • Today, one in four of us is 60 or over. • In 2030, we make up one in three of Marin's pop- ulation. • Life expectancy for both men and women is in the top 5% of all U.S. counties. To let people know about our work and where to get resources, we developed a website: www.livelonglivewellmarin.org. The website highlights members of the Marin County Commission on Aging. The 23 member Commission works closely with the staff of Aging and Adult Services on your behalf. Commissioners are appointed to three-year terms by either the Board of Supervisors or rhe 11 incorporated Cities and Towns in Marin. In addition, Marin County's Senior Assembly Member and Senior Senator, repre- sentatives of the California Senior Legislature (CSL) also serve as ex -officio members for a four-year term. Get to know your Commissioner. Her/ she is your ad- vocate. Better yet, come and meet us at our monthly meetings held throughout the county and open to the public. There is always a one hour presentation on a timely topic in addition to our business meeting. For a schedule of upcoming meetings, flip to the back of this newsletter. Many older Marin residents want to stay in their hornes and continue living in the community. However, they may gradually need some assistance with help at home, yard care, meal deliveries, or transportation. The livelonglivewellmarin.org website will also direct you to our online Community Resource Guide, to help you and your care partners navigate the complex world of community resources to fit your interests and needs. We are living the longevity boom. And we are lucky to have a local government that is responsive to our needs and concerns. Do check out the website ... Or call 415,- 457- 15-457- INFO (4636). Marianne GontanzYork is a Comr;,i sioncr fr om the Cib' of Novato. M,ARIN COUNTY AGING AND ADULT SERVICES Elder Orphans By Carol Zeller Who are the elder orphans? One researcher defines elder orphans as people over the age of 65 who are single, widowed, have no children or have no children nearby, and no support system. Some research has shown that approximately one quarter of Americans over 65 are at risk for becoming "elder orphans" and it is believed that this vulnerable population will only expand as the Baby Boomers age. We need greater awareness and advocacy efforts to plan for the elder orphan population. Teams of community members, social workers, government agencies, and health care providers are needed to support policies to help manage better care for the elder orphans. What can individuals do to make a plan or prevent becoming vulnerable themselves? They need to identify an advocate (health care proxy) in case of an emergency situation. Complete an Advance Directive and/or a POLST (Physician Order for Life -Sustaining Treatment) for end of life decisions. Keep all documents within easy reach and share the information with someone you trust. Consider long term health insurance. Also, it is important for all elders to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A nutritious diet of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is essential. Daily physical activity is necessary to maintain mobility, agility, and balance And last, but not least, social participation and social support are connected to well-being. These activities promote a well balanced life and assist in maintaining a healthy aging process. Fortunately, there are many places that provide support to the aging members of our communities. Most are as close as your telephone. Many Marin cities and towns have a "Village" that can provide support. Contact Marin Villages at 415-457-4633. or visit www.marinvillages.org. To learn about other community resources, contact your city/ town or call 415 -457 -INFO (4636). Education and planning for this growing health care need in our communities is essential if we are to support and care for our elder orphans. Carol Zeller is a Commissionerfrom orn theQ'y of Corte Madera. 5 California Senior Legislature's (CSL) Success By Fllie Bloch and Allan Bortel Each year in October, the California Senior Legislature (CSL) votes to sponsor 10 legislative proposals regarding the well-being of California seniors. These have already been written into legislative language by counsel. Hopefully, they will then go to the State Legislature in order to become official bills, before the two houses of the Legislature, and will ultimately be approved by the Governor. This year, Governor Brown has signed four bills that were sponsored by the nonpartisan, voluntary California Senior Legislature (CSL) in 2014-2015. The most prominent was the End of Life Options bill, co- sponsored by the CSL, giving Californians the right to control their own end of life options, with a doctor's approval. In addition, a bill eliminating the sunset date on Silver Alert for missing seniors, similar to Amber Alert, was approved. The other two bills included regulations regarding a revocable deed for transfer of real property upon death outside of probate and the creation of a California Task Force on Family Caregiving. These four pieces of legislation add to more than 200 successful bills sponsored by the CSL in its 35 -year history. Ten new California bills looking for sponsorship are waiting for the CSL to begin its annual search among State Senators and Assembly members in early 2016. Look for a new marketing program by this unique organization, which is funded by voluntary tax deductible donations on Line 427 of the California state tax return, designated "California Senior Legislature Fund". To learn more about your representatives on the California Senior Legislature, visit www.livelonglivewellmarin.org. or www.4csl.org. Ellie Bloch is the SeniorAssemblyp Member in the California Senior Legislature (CSL)from om Marin Como,. Allan Bortel is the Senior Senator in the CSL from Marin Coun'. Going From Hospital to Home By Donna Vest, RN. For most of us, being hospitalized is like going to a foreign country without a guidebook. We don't speak the language, and find ourselves dependent on strangers for our basic needs. Once admitted, we are expected to adhere to odd schedules and procedures, understand unfamiliar forms and treatment options, and trust that members of our health ream are communicating effectively with us and on our behalf. By the time the word "discharge" is uttered, we may be anxious to get back to familiar surroundings, sleep in our own bed, and live life on our own terms again. However, it is precisely during our transition from hospital to home that we are most vulnerable. As patients are discharged from U.S. hospitals "quicker and sicker," care is often rushed, responsibility is fragmented, and information sharing across care settings and multiple providers is inconsistent. While it is widely acknowledged that communication of timely and accurate information between providers, patients, and family caregivers is critical to a successful discharge plan, most -patients and family caregivers are not encouraged to play an active role in the discharge planning process. You can change that and make sure you and your family get the best possible care during a transition home from the hospital with these steps: • Identify an advocate to monitor and participate in your care. • Bring a checklist of everything you need to know and have in place before you leave the hospital. • Communicate your questions, concerns, and relevant health information to everyone on your care team. • Document your personal health information and communication in a portable health record. • Reach out for support from friends, neighbors, and community services and supports (i.e. transportation, meals, care management, etc.). Call Marin County Information and Assistance line at 415-457-4636. • See www.caretransitions.org or call 415-473-6350. for more tips and tools Donna Blest is a Senior Public Health Nurse at Morin Cormt(y Aging and Adult Services, Journal Quilts By Sylvia Landman Journal quilts are small but can become a personal journey in fabric providing opportunities to experi- ment with new techniques, colors, and embellish- ments. They can convey something personal from each quilter to express an important event or feel- ing. They do not require large commitments in time or money, but busy quilters derive great fun work- ing on these little treasures. Express your creativity in grand style but have a beautiful quilt the size of a sheet of paper to develop your idea. Here is mine. My theme came to me as I rushed to meet the deadline of my book about the quilting industry. I love writing and interviewing talented quilters who have succeeded in the business. But I felt relief when finished at last. Writing a full-length book is a big commitment, even more so than making a large quilt. I looked forward to have time for other activ- ities ignored for a year. Suddenly, Voila! My Journal Quilt began to emerge. I gathered fabric, lace, ribbons, trims, beads and a beautiful envelope with butterflies (my trademark). When designing, I prefer to be led by my supplies. Journal Quilts use our sewing and quilting skills to make statements in fabric of what is going on in our private world. As a writer, I still keep a journal with pen and notebook but using the tools of my trade provides much creative, satisfying pleasure. Sylvia Landman is a retired ed teacher and author living in Novato. Quilt and Photograph by Sylvia Landman Positive In -Home Care Relationships By Madeline Kellner Many older adults want to stay safely and independently in their homes while aging. Many will need assistance with activities of daily living, but who will be there when that help is needed? In June 2015, the Marin Home Care Collective, an association of home care agencies, hosted a forum on the growing need for caregiver services and the challenges of finding and retaining quality caregivers. One of the strategies discussed was how to better retain the workforce that we already have by improving job satisfaction. Arming those who hire caregivers with useful tools and tips will increase the likelihood of creating a positive long-term caregiver/ client relationship. Whether hiring a caregiver through an agency or independently, these practices will help establish a positive two-way relationship: Hiring • Be clear up front about expectations, what you need in terms of services, and hours per week. • Be open to applicants who may be from a different ethnic background than you. • Look for skills and experience but also for personality fit. • Give the applicant a chance to ask you questions. Photograph by Marianne Gontarz York Getting Started • Discuss allergies, diets, medication schedule, your health issues, and any other special needs. • Go over what should be done in an emergency and share contact information. • Agree on work schedule and transportation details (insurance, gas costs, valid driver's license). • Talk about any difficult issues before he/she starts work. Day -to -Day • In communicating your needs be clear, be patient, and be specific. • Be reasonable—it takes a while before a caregiver will learn how to meet your needs. • Keep lines of communication open to avoid misunderstandings. • Let the caregiver know how things are going, saying something positive when he/she does something right, and politely and respectfully providing correction when he/she needs to change how the work is done. Being able to remain safely in one's home while aging will improve the satisfaction of life in the later years. It is imperative that both the recipient of in-home care and the caregiver be assisted and trained with basic skills to create lasting and meaningful relationships with each other. These few simple tips can go a long way in achieving these goals. 7 Madeline Kellner is the Executive Dia ector of IHSS Public Autl�orit� ofMarin. Find the service that's right for you! Call the Information and Assistance line at 457 -INFO (457-4636) Winter 2016 Calelldar of Irotiugs The public is invited to participate in all meetings held by the Commission and its Committees. General Commission meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month. Presentations at the Commission meetings typically start at 10:00 a.m., followed by the business meeting at 11:15 a.m. Meeting dates and presentations are as follows: January 7 February 4 Topic: Update on Older Adult Needs Assessment Speakers: Com- mission on Aging Planning Committee Place: Marin Valley Mobile County Club, 100 Marin Valley Dr, Novato March 3 April 7 Topic: Keeping Topic: Ombuds- Your Memory: man Approaches to Alzheimer's Disease Speaker: Rammo- han Rao, PhD, Buck Institute for Re- search and Aging Place: Marin County Office of Education, 1111 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael Speaker: Ana Bag- tas, Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Pro- gram Manager Place: Margaret Todd Senior Cen- ter, 1560 Hill Rd, Novato Topic: Public Hear- ing, 2016-2020 Area Plan Speakers: Lee Pul- len, AAA Director; Amy Dietz, AAA Project Coordinator Place: San Rafael Community Center, 618 B St, San Rafael Committee Meetings are held at the Division of -Aging and Adult Service's facilities at 10 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael. For details call 473-7118. •2.To•,{1Unopuli'Lu ss000u:{ar(rgLs1p zL lnuut-a ,{q .u0 (ALL) C£:£-£Lb/(ocPA) 1.8£t' fciLl III L'J Aq paasanbai aq St''w uor1L'7rlgnd SILK Jo autluoJ J.1 41 UJajlu UL' .10J asanba)j uu1I. 10 .imno) (MCI •s•a Q pint 110 .10111!.1(I 1 :anssi s!q� ui peanpoi 2u i;-uoissrunuoo/spJ1 oq gzo•stjtjul:ruurANti\m :ails go/A 8LLL-C/..17 £06176 VD `PJ " I u13S `peon oapacj urs tjazoN 01. #11 OV 110 110!iIIIIIIU 011103 IILIL! it Home > Archive Center View Other Items in this Archive I View All Archives I Printable Version AGENDA - REGULAR MEETING BELVEDERE CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 11, 2016, 6:30 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers 450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere, California COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC The public will be given an opportunity speak on each agenda item when it is called. Upon being recognized by the Manor, please state your name and address, and limit your oral statement to no more than three minutes. The Council welcomes comments and questions raised by interested citizens but typically does not respond during the comment period. 6:30 PM CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE OPEN FORUM This is an opportunity for any citizen to briefly address the City Council on any matter that does not appear in this agenda. Upon being recognized by the Mayor-, please stale your name, address, and limit your oral statement to no more than three minutes. Matters that appear to warrant a more lengthy presentation or Council consideration will be agendized for f rrther discussion at a later meeting. REPORTS & PRESENTATIONS 1. City Council Reports. City Manager Reports. CONSENT CALENDAR The Consent Calendar consists of items that the City Council considers to be non -controversial. Unless any item is specifically removed by any member of the City Council, staff, or audience, the Consent Calendar will be adopted by one motion. Items removed will be considered in the sequence as they appear below. If any member of the audience wishes to have an item removed, please step to the microphone, state your name, and indicate the item. 3. Approve minutes of the December 14, 2015. regular City Council meeting. 4. Approve warrants of December 2015. 5. Accept annual audit for the City of Belvedere. 6. Adopt two resolutions of the City Council of the City of Belvedere: 1) Calling for a consolidated election to be held in its jurisdiction on June 7. 2016. to fill three expiring terms on the Cite Council and to vote on a measure allowing the City to adjust the appropriations limit for the annual fire and emergency medical services tax: and 21 Setting tiling deadlines and adopting miscellaneous procedures relating to conduct of the consolidated municipal election to be held on June 7. 2016. INDIVIDUAL CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS Individual Consent Calendar Items are considered non -controversial but require individual rrrotions for approval due to necessary recusals. 7. Approve revocable license for private improvements in the City right-of-way_ in front of 112 Golden Gate Avenue. Property Owner: The John and Christine Telischak Rev. Trust. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8. Introduction and first reading of an Ordinance of the Cite of Belvedere amending Chapter 16.20. Floodplain Management, of the Belvedere Municipal Cotte to adopt the revised FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) effective.March 16. 2016. and other administrative updates. Staff recommendation: Conduct the public hearing and approve the introduction of the ordinance. OTHER SCHEDULED ITEMS 9. Preliminary consideration of use of City lands for private improvements by the Corinthian Yacht Club. located at 43 Main Street. Staff recommendation: That the City Council review the site plan and project narrative and provide direction on the use of City lands for private improvements by the Corinthian Yacht Club. 10. Fiscal Year 2015-2016 mid -year budget review. Staff recommendation: Receive mid -year budget information: provide direction to staff 11. Consideration of supplemental funding for Yellow Bus Challenge program and formation of a Joint Powers Authority. Staff recommendation: Approve supplemental fundinz for Yellow Bus Challenge (YBC' and provide input to committee members on formation of a Joint Powers Authority'. 12. Appoint Belvedere member to the Board of Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District. Staff recommendation: Appoint Belvedere member to the Board of the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District. ADJOURN NOTICE: WHERE TO VIEW AGENDA MATERIALS Staff reports and other materials distributed to the City Council are available for public inspection at the following locations: > Belvedere City Hall, 450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere. (Materials distributed to the City Council after the agenda packet is published are available for public inspection at this location only.) > Belvedere -Tiburon Library, 1501 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon. To request automatic mailing of agenda materials, please contact the City Clerk at 415/435-8913. DIGE ZA° Regional Service Planning / Subdivision of the State of California NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING AND AGENDA Marin Local Agency Formation Commission Thursday, January 14, 2016 City of San Rafael Council Chambers 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, California 7:00 P.M. - CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIR ROLL CALL BY CHAIR APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Chair or designee will consider a motion to approve the agenda as prepared by the Executive Officer with any requests to remove or rearrange items by members or staff. OPEN TIME This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons desiring to address the Commission on any matter not on the current agenda. All statements that require a response will be referred to staff for reply in writing or will be placed on the Commission's agenda for consideration at a later meeting. Speakers are limited to three minutes. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS All items calendared as consent are considered ministerial or non -substantive and subject to a single motion approval. With the concurrence of the Chair or designee, a Commissioner may request discussion of an item on the consent calendar. 1. Financial Report and Year -End Projections for Fiscal Year 2015-16 (action) The Commission will review a report comparing budgeted and actual transactions for the fiscal year through November 30th and its projection the agency is on pace to finish with an operating shortfall of ($13,535) or (3.6%). This projection marks a significant improvement over the budgeted operating deficit of ($50,000) and is largely tied to anticipated savings in salary, legal, and accounting. The report is being presented to the Commission to accept and file as well as to provide direction as needed. Payments made since the last report are also presented for information. 2. Approval of Meeting Minutes (action) The Commission will consider approving meeting minutes for December 10, 2015. 3. Progress Report on 2015-2016 Work Plan (action) The Commission will receive a report on progress made to date in accomplishing the administrative and planning activities established in the work plan for 2015-2016. This includes summarizing the four projects that have been completed to date while highlighting activities that have been recently initiated. The report is being presented to the Commission to formally accept and file as well as to discuss any desired amendments going forward. 4. Current and Pending Proposals (information) The Commission will receive a report identifying active proposals that are on file with the agency as required under statute. The report also identifies pending proposals to help telegraph future workload. The report is being presented for information only. MARIN LAFCO January 14, 2016 Regular Meeting Agenda Page 2 of 3 CONSENT ITEMS CONTINUED... 5. Notice of Expiring Commissioner Terms (information) The Commission will receive a report identifying membership terms and those set to expire in May 2016 and necessitating new appointments and/or reappointments. The report is being presented for information only. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS 6. Municipal Service Review on Countywide Public Water Services / Presentation of Executive Officer's Final Report and Related Items (action) The Commission will conduct a public hearing to receive a final report and a separate resolution of approval as part of its scheduled municipal service review on countywide public water services. The final report has been updated from an earlier draft and independently examines the availability, performance, and need of public water services relative to the Commission's prescribed growth management duties and interests. The resolution of approval codifies the majority of the written determinations in the final report addressing the mandatory factors required for consideration under State law. Staff recommends the Commission open the hearing to receive testimony before continuing the item to February 11, 2016. 7. Approval of a Scope of Analysis / Municipal Service Review on Wastewater Services in Central Marin (action) The Commission will consider approving a formal scope of analysis to guide the preparation and timing of the agency's scheduled study on public wastewater service in central Marin County. This includes setting the depth and range of the analysis as well as establishing any discretionary determination requirements in addition to the mandatory factors required by the Legislature. Per policy the proposed scope of analysis is being presented for formal approval and follows the earlier draft review performed by the Commission in November. 8. Request for Continuation I Reorganization to Detach 91 Glenside Way from the San Rafael Sanitation District and Annex into the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District / Sphere of Influence Amendments (action) The Commission is scheduled to return to an open hearing to consider a landowner's reorganization proposal to detach unincorporated territory at 91 Glenside Way in Los Ranchitos from the San Rafael Sanitation District and concurrently annex into the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District. The subject parcel is identified by the County of Marin Assessor's Office as 179-261-72. Staff recommends the Commission approve the applicant's request for a continuation to February 11, 2016. BUSINESS ITEMS 9. Legislative Report for 2015 (information) The Commission will receive a report on the completion of the first year of the Legislature's 2015-2016 session as it relates to bills of interest to Local Agency Formation Commissions. This includes noting two separate bill approvals involving outside service extensions in SB 239 and AB 401. The report is being presented to the Commission for information only. 10. Policy Committee Update (information) The Commission will receive a verbal update from the Policy Committee (Baker, Blanchfield, and Burdick) on current activities. No written report. MARIN LAFCO January 14, 2016 Regular Meeting Agenda Page 3 of 3 CLOSED SESSION 11. Potential/Anticipated Litigation The Commission will meet in closed session concerning one item of significant exposure to litigation under Government Code Section 54956.9. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT COMMISSIONER ANNOUCEMENTS AND REQUESTS ADJOURNMENT TO NEXT MEETING(S): • Thursday, February 11, 2016 regular meeting • Wednesday, February 17, 2016 annual workshop - 9:30 am to 1:OOpm at 555 Northgate Drive in San Rafael Attest : Keene Simonds Executive Officer Copies of all staff reports and documents subject to disclosure that relate to each item referred to on the agenda are available for public inspection at least 72 hours before each scheduled regular meeting at the LAFCO office at 555 Northgate Drive, Suite 230, San Rafael. Pursuant to GC Section 84308, if you wish to participate in the above proceedings, you or your agent are prohibited from making a campaign contribution of $250 or more to any Commissioner. This prohibition begins on the date you begin to actively support or oppose an application before LAFCO and continues until 3 months after a final decision is rendered by LAFCO. If you or your agent have made a contribution of $250 or more to any Commissioner during the 12 months preceding the decision, in the proceeding that Commissioner must disqualify himself or herself from the decision. However, disqualification is not required if the Commissioner returns that campaign contribution within 30 days of learning both about the contribution and the fact that you are a participant in the proceedings. Any person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may receive a copy of the agenda or a copy of all the documents constituting the agenda packet for a meeting upon request. Any person with a disability covered under the ADA may also request a disability -related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, in order to participate in a public meeting. Please contact the LAFCO office at 415-446-4409 at least three (3) working days prior to the meeting for any requested arraignments or accommodations.