HomeMy WebLinkAboutTC Digest 2016-12-16 TOWN COUNCIL WEEKLY DIGEST
December 12-16, 2016
TIBURON
Correspondence
1. Proclamation Request Memorandum—November 28—Tonw of Tiburon School Choice
Week (Jan 22-28)
Agendas
1. Cancellation—December 21 —Regular Town Council Meeting
2. Cancellation—December 27—Regular Heritage & Arts Meeting
3. Minutes—November 9—Planning Commission Regular Meeting
4. Minutes—December 13—Planning Commission Special Meeting
REGIONAL, NOTICES AND AGENDAS
Correspondence
1. Notice—November 9—Recordkeeping Requirements for Exempt sales of Medical
Marijuana.
2. Newsletter—Fall/Winter 2016—Marin Access
3. Newsletter—Dec 2016/Jan 2017-Bay Area Monitor
Agendas
1. Agenda—December 14—Tiburon Fire Dept.
0008?77
NATIONAL -ee 4W
School �+
WEEK
IANUARY 22-28, 2017
PROCLAMATION REQUEST MEMORANDUM
TO: The Honorable Erin Tollini
Mayor,Town of Tiburon DEC 12 2016
FROM: Andrew R. Campanella TOV'JN MANAGERS OFFICE
President,National School Choice Week TOWN OFTIBUROM
SUBJECT: Town of Tiburon School Choice Week(Jan. 22—28)
DATE: November 28,2016
I am writing to respectfully request that you issue an official proclamation commemorating
January 22-28,2017 as Town of Tiburon School Choice Week.
I have attached draft proclamation text for your convenience.The proclamation,along with National
School Choice Week,provides you with an opportunity to recognize the excellent education options
available to families in Town of Tiburon as a part of a nationwide celebration.
Held every January,National School Choice Week shines a spotlight on effective education options
for children—including traditional public schools,public charter schools,public magnet schools,
private schools, online learning,and homeschooling.
National School Choice Week 2017 will feature nearly 20,000 independently-planned events
across all 50 states,which will make it the largest celebration of educational opportunity in
American history. Schools and community organizations in almost every city and county across
America are participating.
As a nonpolitical, nonpartisan public awareness campaign,National School Choice Week does
not advocate for legislation. We have enjoyed wide support from elected officials of both parties.
During our celebration in 2016,more than 250 mayors and county executives, along with 33
governors, issued proclamations recognizing the Week.The US Senate also unanimously passed
a bipartisan resolution recognizing NSCW.
I hope you will join us in celebrating National School Choice Week by issuing an official
proclamation.If you have any questions, please contact National School Choice Week's outreach
manager,Noelle DeLaney, at noelle@schoolchoiceweek.com, or by telephone at 202-480-2927
ext. 820.Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Andrew R. Campanella, President I Post Office Box 2549, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459 1 SchoolChoiceWeek.com
NATIONAL 74K
0008277
school - -
_ WEEK
JANUARY 22-28, 2017
SUGGESTED PROCLAMATION LANGUAGE
A Proclamation Commemorating Town of Tiburon School Choice Week
WHEREAS all children in Town of Tiburon should have access to the highest-quality education possible;
and,
WHEREAS Town of Tiburon recognizes the important role that an effective
education plays in preparing all students in Town of Tiburon to be successful adults;and,
WHEREAS quality education is critically important to the economic vitality of Town of Tiburon;and,
WHEREAS Town of Tiburon is home to a multitude of excellent education
options from which parents can choose for their children;and,
WHEREAS,educational variety not only helps to diversify our economy,but also enhances the vibrancy
of our community;and,
WHEREAS our area has many high-quality teaching professionals who are committed to educating our
children;and,
WHEREAS, School Choice Week is celebrated across the country by millions of students,
parents,educators,schools and organizations to raise awareness of the need for effective
educational options;
NOW,THEREFORE,I,Erin Tollini do hereby recognize January 22-28,2017 as Town of Tiburon
SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK,and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.
INSTRUCTIONS:
• To download a copy of this language in Word format,visit
www.schoolchoiceweek.com/proclamations.
• If you issue a proclamation,please send a.pdf copy of the proclamation to Noelle DeLaney at
Noelle@schoolchoiceweek.com,so that we may recognize you for participating.
• If you choose to send a hard copy of an issued proclamation,please send it to:Noelle DeLaney,
National School Choice Week,28 Paul Drive, San Rafael,California 94903.
Andrew R. Campanella, President I Post Office Box 2549, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459 1 School ChoiceWeek.com
CITIES AND COUNTIES ISSUING SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK PROCLAMATIONS IN 2016
Albany County,New York Columbus, Georgia Hillsborough County,Florida
Allen, Texas Concord,New Hampshire Hilo County,Hawaii
Amador County, California Costa Mesa, California Hilton Head Island,South Carolina
Amarillo,Texas Crest Hill,Illinois Hoover,Alabama
Apple Valley, California Crook County,Wyoming Indian River County,Florida
Arlington Heights, Illinois Davenport, IA Indio, California
Arlington, Texas Dayton, Ohio Irving,Texas
Armstrong County, Pennsylvania De Baca County,New Mexico Irvington,New Jersey
Atlantic City,New Jersey Dearborn, Michigan Jackson County, Missouri
Aurora, Colorado Deltona, Florida Jackson County, Oregon
Austin, Texas Denton, Texas Jackson,Mississippi
Avondale,Arizona Denver, Colorado Jacksonville,Florida
Baker County, Oregon DeSoto County, Florida Jefferson County,Missouri
Baltimore, Maryland Echo, Minnesota Johnson County,Kansas
Bannock County, Idaho El Cajon, California Johnson County, Wyoming
Bay St. Louis,Mississippi Elgin, Illinois Joliet, Illinois
Beaverton, Oregon Erie ,New York Kalamazoo,Michigan
Benewah County, Idaho Fort Bend County, Texas Kansas City,Missouri
Bessemer,Alabama Fort Lauderdale, Florida Kent County,Michigan
Bethlehem,Pennsylvania Frederick County, Maryland Kent, Washington
Billings,Montana Fremont County, Wyoming Killeen, Texas
Biloxi,Mississippi Fullerton, California Kissimmee,Florida
Birmingham, Alabama Fulton County, Georgia La Paz County,Arizona
Bloomington, Illinois Gainesville,Florida Laguna Niguel, California
Bolingbrook, Illinois Garden Grove, California Laguna Niguel, California
Boynton Beach,Florida Garland County,Arkansas Lake , Florida
Broome County,New York Gary, Indiana Lake County, Oregon
Bucks County, Pennsylvania Gilbert,Arizona Lakeland, Florida
Cache County,Utah Gilchrist County, Florida Lakewood, Colorado
Camden,New Jersey Goldsboro,North Carolina Largo,Florida
Carbon County,Pennsylvania Gooding County, Idaho Las Cruces,New Mexico
Cascade County,Montana Greeley, Colorado Lauderhill,Florida
Charleston, South Carolina Greene County,New York League City, Texas
Charlotte, North Carolina Greenville, South Carolina Lee County, Florida
Chattanooga,Tennessee Hamilton County, Ohio Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Chautauqua County,New York Hancock County, Maine Lewis County,New York
Clark County,Nevada Hawaii County, Hawaii Lewisville,Texas
Cleveland, Ohio Henderson,Nevada Los Angeles County, California
Clifton,New Jersey Hernando County,Florida Loudon County, Virginia
Cloud County,Kansas Hesperia, California Lyon County,Nevada
Cobb County, Georgia Highland Village,Texas Madera County, California
CITIES AND COUNTIES ISSUING SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK PROCLAMATIONS IN 2016
Madison County, Alabama Peoria County, Illinois Springfield, Massachusetts
Mahoning County,Ohio Peoria, Arizona St. Charles,Missouri
Maitland,Florida Phan, Texas St. Louis, Missouri
Manatee County, Florida Phoenix, Arizona Stanislaus County, California
Mansfield, Ohio Placer County, California Sumner County, Tennessee
Manteca, California Plantation, Florida Sumter County, Florida
Marion County, Florida Pompano Beach, Florida Suwannee County,Florida
Marion County, Kansas Portsmouth, Virginia Tacoma, Washington
Mariposa County, California Prince George's County,Maryland Tampa, Florida
Medford, Oregon Prince William County,New York Temecula, California
Melbourne, Florida Racine County, Wisconsin Thornton, Colorado
Memphis, Tennessee Redondo Beach, California Thousand Oaks, California
Miami Gardens, Florida Reno,Nevada Tracy, California
Miami, Florida Richardson,Texas Tulsa, Oklahoma
Midland, Texas Richland County, South Carolina Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Milpitas, California Richmond, Virginia Tyler, Texas
Miramar,Florida Rio Ranch,New Mexico Uintah County, Utah
Mission Viejo, California Rockland County, California Upland, California
Modoe County, California Rockland County,New York Vacaville, California
Montgomery,Alabama Roseville, California Vallejo, California
Moreno Valley, California Sacramento County, California Vancouver,Washington
Nashville, Tennessee Sacramento, California Venango County,Pennsylvania
Nassau County, Florida Saint Charles City, Missouri Victorville, California
Nassau County,New York Saint Joseph, Missouri Volusia County,Florida
New Bedford, Massachusetts San Antonio, Texas Waldo County, Maine
New Orleans,Louisiana San Luis Obispo County, California Walton County, Florida
Newport News, Virginia San Mateo County, California Warren County,Pennsylvania
Norfolk, Virginia San Ramon, California Warwick, Rhode Island
O'Fallon, Missouri Santa Clara, California Wasatch County,Utah
Oakland County, Michigan Santa Cruz County, Arizona Washington County,Pennsylvania
Oceanside, California Santa Rosa, California Washington,DC
Orange County,New York Scottsdale, Arizona Waterbury, Connecticut
Orange,New Jersey Sedgwick County, Colorado Watertown, South Dakota
Orlando,Florida Sedgwick County, Kansas West Palm Beach,Florida
Oswego County,New York Sedgwick County, Kansas Wichita Falls, Texas
Ozark, Missouri Sheridan County,Wyoming Will County,Illinois
Palatine,Illinois Shreveport,Louisiana Will County,Illinois
Palm Bay, Florida Sioux City, Iowa Woodbury,Minnesota
Pasco County,Florida Smith County, Texas Woodstock, Georgia -
Paterson,New Jersey Somerset County,Pennsylvania Yamhill, Oregon
Pembroke Pines, Florida Sonoma County, California .Yavapai County,Arizona
Pensacola, Florida Springdale, Arkansas
DSZ, 7"
NOTICE OF MEETING
CANCELLATION
The regular
Town Council Meeting
on
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
has been cancelled.
Town Hall will be closed for the Holidays beginning Friday, December 23,
2016, reopening on January 2, 2017.
0
THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING
is scheduled for
WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2017, at 7:30 PM
in the Town Council Chambers located at
1505 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon CA 94920.
s/
LEA STEFANI, TOWN CLERK
Posted at Town Hall
cc: The Ark and Marin Independent Journal
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T 1 B U R Co H
H E R I T A G E
A R T S
C O H M 1 S S 1 O H
CANCELLATION
HERITAGE & ARTS
COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, December 27
NEXT MEETING: JANUARY 24, 2017
J ".Sew
PLANNING COMMISSION
,q • 3
MINUTES NO. 1069
Regular Meeting
November 9,2016
Town of Tiburon Council Chambers
1505 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon, California
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL:
Chair Williams called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Present: Chair Williams,Vice Chair Corcoran, Commissioners Kulik and Weller
Absent: Commissioner Welner
Staff Present: Director of Community Development Anderson,Planning Manager Watrous
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
There were none.
COMMISSION AND STAFF BRIEFING
Director Anderson stated because the Town's holiday party is on the same night as the
Commission's regular meeting on December 14, he asked and confirmed with Commissioners
that the meeting date would be replaced with a special meeting on Tuesday, December 13.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. 215 BLACKFIELD DRIVE: Periodic review of a Conditional Use Permit to operate a
synagogue and appurtenant day school; File#10404; Congregation Kol Shofar,Owner
and Applicant; Assessor's Parcel No. 038-351-34
Planning Manager Watrous gave the staff report, stating this is the 8a'review of the CUP issued
in 2007 to Congregation Kol Shofar for remodeling and expanding their facilities and operations.
He stated that because of Kol Shofar's compliance with most items staff concluded that the
synagogue and day school uses appear to be operating in substantial conformance with
conditions of the CUP. He noted ongoing improvement as far as large events in all facilities and
improvements in parking and traffic controls during 2016 High Holy Days.
Staff suggested areas of improvement in terms of better reference to mailing courtesy notices to
neighbors and property owners,to place resident traffic only temporary signs on Reedlands
Wood Way during High Holy Day services, conduct outreach with neighbors and one neighbor
indicated an interest in re-activating the Neighborhood Advisory Committee(NAC) and to
submit their annual tree inspection reports in a timely manner.
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION November 9,2016 MINUTES NO. 1069 PAGE 1
Mr. Watrous recommended that the Planning Commission take testimony on the item, close the
hearing and conclude that Kol Shofar is in substantial compliance with its CUP and provide any
direction regarding areas where improvements are warranted and consider whether any
modifications should be made to the adopted conditions of approval of this permit.
Chair Williams asked if there was any other reason to reactivate the NAC besides the one
neighbor would like to participate on the committee.Mr. Watrous stated the NAC was set up as a
condition of approval within the CUP at a time when the neighborhood involvement and need for
feedback with neighbors was much higher. He said that there were difficulties in getting
volunteers to serve on the committee and because one neighbor has indicated an interest staff
recommends conducting a bit of outreach to determine if any other neighbors wish to participate.
Ronald Brown, member of Kol Shofar and former President and Co-Chair of the Building
Committee when the CUP was originally negotiated, stated that they support the staff report and
had no comments.
Chair Williams asked Mr. Brown if he saw a reason to re-activate the NAC. Mr. Brown said that
they conducted outreach conducted to identify volunteers to serve on the committee and were
unsuccessful.He said that they could make another attempt if the Commission so desired,but it
was unclear whether it would be productive, given that only one neighbor has indicated an
interest in participating.
Commissioner Kulik referred to a late letter regarding classes from Dominican College and
asked about enrollment,monitors and notices for these classes. Mr. Brown stated that the
Executive Director was not able to attend tonight to address these questions, but he could obtain
the information.
Chair Williams opened the public comment period. There were no public speakers and she
closed the public hearing.
Vice Chair Corcoran commented that most of the issues with this permit have been resolved over
the years. He said that the only question that still comes up has been whether to lessen the
requirement for review and asked staff about the formula used for similar use permits. Mr.
Watrous replied that other permits changed from shorter reviews to longer reviews or no review
at all. He stated that if the Commission wished to lengthen the review it could direct staff to
prepare a resolution to do so. Vice Chair Corcoran said that he supported a two-year review.
Commissioner Weller said that he lives above Kol Shofar and agreed that traffic and
neighborhood issues that were feared seem to have been mitigated and Kol Shofar has been a
good neighbor. He favored extending the review period and believed that the issues raised by the
letters received can be addressed informally with Kol Shofar's community liaison and, if not
resolved, could be directed to Town staff.
Commissioner Kulik asked if a definition could be identified for a"substantial"period of time
for making changes to the use permit. Mr. Watrous said the Town does not have a specific
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION November 9,2016 MINUTES NO. 1069 PAGE 2
timeframe,but this note had more to do with major changes to the operational characteristics of
Kol Shofar. He said that in 2013 the Commission changed the review schedule to its current
situation and, given that more time has passed,this was something that could easily be done
again.
Commissioner Kulik stated that his only concern was recurring issues mentioned in the letter
received and he asked that Kol Shofar address this. He supported a two-year review period.
Chair Williams echoed the sentiments of her fellow Commissioners. She found Kol Shofar to be
in substantial compliance with the CUP and agreed with the suggestions in the staff report,
except for the NAC. She urged Kol Shofar to have their liaison reach out to the one neighbor and
to repost their parking requirements on their website, specifically for the Dominican classes, and
informally to be sure to inform course attendees of the parking requirements.
ACTION: MIS (Williams/Corcoran) to find that that Kol Shofar is in substantial compliance
with its conditional use permit and direct staff to prepare a resolution lengthening the review
period to two years. Motion carried 4-0.
2. 1 BLACKFIELD DRIVE SUITES N& O: Consider approval of a Conditional Use
Permit to operate a pizza parlor in a Neighborhood Commercial zone;File
#CUP2016006; The Cove Shopping Center, Inc., Owner; California Round Table Pizza
Group, Inc., Applicant; Assessor Parcel 034-212-18
Mr. Anderson gave the staff report and said the applicant is proposing to open a Round Table
Pizza outlet in the current spaces occupied by Milano Ristorante and Milano Wine Bar. He gave
an overview of the permit history of the Cove Shopping Center and the two Milano uses.He
stated that in the past several years the shopping center has experienced a rebirth of activity
through an improved tenant mix and with success comes challenges, including limited parking
availability at certain times, traffic circulation congestion and refuse management issues.He said
that staff is of the opinion that bringing in yet another potentially popular use could lead to off-
site impacts and that efforts would be necessary to ensure this does not become a problem should
this use go in.
Mr. Anderson described the changes proposed by the application, including the following:
• Replacement of the wine bar with a pizza parlor use.
• Addition of a substantial delivery component(roughly one-third of business);
with up to five (5) pizza delivery vehicles being used at peak times.
• Increase in take-out services (roughly one-third of business).
• Increased number of employees at maximum shift.
Mr. Anderson identified several planning issues with the intensification of the use, including the
overall number of patrons and vehicles,parking demand, number of employees at maximum
shift and increased take-out and delivery activity and trips. He said that pizza delivery was an
issue that would need some attention,with delivery proposed as late as 11:00 PM and typically
one to two drivers used per shift and employees using their personal vehicles for deliveries,but
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION November 9,2016 MINUTES NO. 1069 PAGE 3
up to five drivers at peak times. He said that the submitted plans show 4 parking spaces at the
rear of the building that could be dedicated for pizza delivery parking. He noted that there is a 20
foot wide fire lane behind the building and it might be possible to keep 3-4 spaces for delivery
vehicle parking,but staff would suggest that delivery parking be moved to the front parking lot
in early evening hours to avoid disruption for neighbors who live behind the site.
Mr. Anderson stated that the number of delivery trucks would be low and far less than the
Nugget Market, and staff would recommend imposing the same limited hours of delivery.He
stated that staff expects this use to generate more trips than the sit-down restaurant and wine bar.
He said that the applicant expects to do most of its business after 5:00 PM and not during the
lunchtime,but staff still anticipates that the use would generate more trips during the lunch hour
than the Milano's uses.
Mr. Anderson stated that parking at the Cove Shopping Center has been substandard for decades
but has not actually always been a problem. He described changes and additions to the parking
lot made through the years, but stated that in spite of these,the center experiences parking
shortages and does not currently appear to have a highly effective parking management and
enforcement program. He described circulation issues with the center parking lot and changes
made recently as part of a bicycle pedestrian safety enhancement project that eliminated the
dedicated right turn lane into the center. He described potential noise and refuse management
issues and suggested conditions of approval to address these concerns.
Mr. Anderson summarized that the Cove Center has evolved recently into a highly successful
and well used neighborhood-oriented destination and its ownership and management deserve
praise for making that happen. However,with increased success comes increased responsibility
for the efficient and proper functioning of the center. Staff believes that the center shows
symptoms of inadequate parking management, congested circulation and the need for increased
attention to refuse and trash management. He stated that staff recommended a series of
conditions of approval to address those concerns if yet another likely popular use is approved for
this center to keep the situation from becoming worse. Staff also recommended a 3 month review
so the Commission can assess the effectiveness of the measures and, if necessary,require other
measures to address any concerns that may be lingering.
Chair Williams she asked who is responsible for enforcement and asked whether management
was aware of the issues raised regarding the center. Mr. Anderson stated that these conditions
were known to and discussed with management and the applicant well in advance of the meeting.
Len Rifidnd, attorney representing Round Table Pizza and the landlord, stated that the conditions
seem to apply more to the entire center than to the applicant and they would like the center to be
a good neighbor. He said that they were concerned with the proposed condition of approval
requiring the establishment of a parking and circulation monitoring enforcement plan, which he
felt was a bit vague, but said that they were happy to work with staff as to how to accomplish
this. Mr. Ritkind indicated that costs are passed onto the tenants and he suggested that any
conditions of approval should be rational to keep the business in operation.
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION November 9,2016 MINUTES NO. 1069 PAGE 4
Mr. Rifkind asked that the Commission focus on the findings required by the Zoning Ordinance
to approve a conditional use permit. He stated that there is not much they can do regarding
circulation and that 26 spaces did not exist when the use permit was originally approved for
Milano's. He noted that all employees in the center are encouraged to park in the rear as a way to
open up spaces for customers. He said that noise was not an issue and Round Table Pizza would
not have any exterior loudspeakers. He stated that refuse would be addressed by the applicant
and senior corporate management. He said that Round Table Pizza runs"a very tight ship"and is
audited regularly. He said that there would be no refuse problem with this use.
Ali Karachi, Round Table Pizza franchiser, said that he is a resident of Southern Marin,
previously lived in Tiburon for 2 years, and is familiar with traffic in Tiburon. He said that he
reviewed the emails written by the local neighbors and their concerns about change. He said that
since Round Table Pizza closed its restaurant in Strawberry they have received dozens of
requests to reopen in the area.
Mr. Karachi stated that Round Table Pizza anticipates an increase of 15-25 trips per day above
Milano's current business volume, mostly during the hours of 5:00-8:00 PM when parking
demand decreases at the center, below the peak parking between 9:00-11:00 AM and 3:00-5:00
PM.He stated that all employees would be mandated to park in the designated parking area at
the rear of the center and delivery drivers would park in designated spaces behind the store and
outside the fire lane. He stated that this restaurant would be smaller than an average Round Table
Pizza and 50% smaller than the previous location in Strawberry. He said that they will follow
both landlord and Tiburon Design Review sign rules and regulations. He stated that Round Table
Pizza does not have live music, bands or any such music in any stores and any speakers within
the business are to enhance TV viewing for sports.
Mr. Karachi stated that they would improve the current trash collection system used by Milano's
and remove the wood storage behind the store which creates an environment for rodent and pest
infestation. He said that Round Table Pizza addresses its refuse generation in a more organized
fashion and are big advocates of recycling programs. He added that Round Table Pizza has
service agreements to monitor control pest activities twice monthly and perform other
maintenance.
Mr. Karachi stated that Round Table Pizza has always been a place for families to come together,
and is a place for good times and good food. He said that Round Table Pizza would provide a
convenient way for families to have food delivered to their doorsteps and also generate sales tax
for the Town, draw customers to shop at other merchants in the center, and serve as a convenient
eatery within walking distance.
Ted Story, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Round Table Pizza, stated that
Round Table Pizza is a locally founded and based organization and is employee owned.He said
that one of the reasons they are so successful is because their franchisees are part of the
communities in which they operate. He stated that Mr. Karachi is one of their best operators and
they have encouraged him to expand because he takes such pride in his business,trains his
employees, and is part of the communities in which he operates. Mr. Story stated that from a
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION November 9,2016 MINUTES NO. 1069 PAGE 5
corporate standpoint he felt that Tiburon would have one of their best operators and they would
like to be part of this community.
Commissioner Kulik asked why the Strawberry location of Round Table Pizza closed. Mr.Story
said that the operator of that location was easing out of the business and retiring and it was also a
very expensive location to operate.
Chair Williams opened the public hearing.
Daren Wein asked the Commission to consider its role, according to the Zoning Ordinance,to
limit the type and amount of uses and be compatible with the nature, character and image of the
Town as a quiet, small town residential community with a village-like commercial area. He
believed that Milano's qualifies under that definition. He said that the center has grown and
succeeded,but he felt that there is a tipping point and the Commission gets to decide at what side
Round Table Pizza will land. He said that the community is most concerned with issues of noise,
trash,traffic and overall image. He said that a"mom and pop"Italian restaurant is much different
than a chain store just on its merits. He said that delivery is a big issue because there will be
parking adjacent to back fences of homes that did not expect to have a fleet of delivery cars
behind.
Geraldine Tracy said that Milano's is a family restaurant and serves all the needs Round Table
Pizza could serve but even more. She thought that Round Table Pizza would undermine the
integrity of the neighborhood and she that traffic congestion would be terrible.
Jeff Harband,owner Oasis Physical Therapy,directly next door to Milano's restaurant, said that
he was concerned about noise for his business, as the proposed party room would be directly
adjacent to his treatment areas and the walls are thin. He anticipated that Round Table Pizza
would make greater usage of the banquet room for sports teams throughout the year, as well as
birthday parties, etc. He said that these parties would take place during his business hours and
would affect him unless something can be done to mitigate the noise. He said that Milano's fires
up their wood-fired pizza oven periodically and it smells great in his clinic but this only happens
once in a while, and he could not imagine having to smell pizza all day long. He stated that the
handicapped spaces were changed in the parking lot and have become relatively inconvenient for
him, and with more of the parking spaces taken up more of the time this would be difficult for
his patients. He felt that this type of establishment was in appropriate for this neighborhood,
which thrives on small businesses.
Jeff Dieter said that the traffic situation at the shopping center is already problematic and Round
Table Pizza would only exacerbate this problem. He said that the peak hours for Round Table
Pizza between 5:00 and 8:00 PM are also the same time people are trying to get home,and the
road already backs up, so this would add more traffic to an already congested area. He said that
he was opposed to having rubbish stored in the rear,the potential for increased garbage service,
and did not think that Round Table Pizza fit with the character of the Cove Center.
Louis Doffo said that Tiburon is a strong community that thrives to work together, continue
improving things and maintain Tiburon's special character. He said that he had not seen Round
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION November 9,2016 MINUTES NO. 1069 PAGE 6
Table Pizza reach out to the community to try and explain what it is they are looking to do.He
said that he was also concerned with safety from increased traffic, as there are many children
given the proximity of a school. He said that adding deliveries would increase the probability for
accidents and delivery drivers also put neighbors' security at risk.
Jason Washing said that he echoed all of the previous comments and these points need to be
taken seriously. He thought that a similar set of standards needs to be in place for the Cove
Center as are in place for downtown Tiburon,but he felt that Round Table Pizza would not fit
there, either. He said that staff's presentation did not include a discussion of pedestrian traffic
and cyclists at a time when they want to encourage kids to use buses,bicycles and walking.He
said that the proposal warranted a lot more time and consideration if the Town wants to develop
the community in a way residents want it.
Brandon Lidell said that he supported Round Table Pizza. He questioned the argument of
maintaining a"small town feel"because the Town has Peet's Coffee and Nugget Market,which
are chains. He thought that the traffic concerns were not applicable, as he did not see any
problems when he visits the shopping center 3-5 times a week. He suggested that the
Commission determine the traffic level of service as done in a CEQA process rather than using
anecdotal information.
Hazel Caldwell said that the definition of a cove is a"small sheltered bay usually with narrow
restricted entrance, often circular or oval." She disagreed with information in the application that
Round Table Pizza would be a perfect fit in the Milano's location. She said that residents would
not"be excited to experience the new Round Table Pizza,"but would instead be agitated.She
thought that the goal to maintain the small town community was important on both ends of town.
She said that she likes a regular dining experience and that was important at this gateway to the
town.
Luigi Baker said that the Cove is their local shopping center and he opposed a Round Table
Pizza in this location due to parking, safety of delivery drivers and noise issues.
Gerard Suyderhoud said he lives in the area that backs up to Milano's and feels that the Bel Aire
neighborhood is a true slice of Americana where kids can walk around and ride their bikes. He
was concerned about the danger of additional traffic coming in and out of the neighborhood,
given that 2/3 of the business would be take-out and delivery, which would be a substantial
change from how Milano's has operated. He felt that the change would impact him and the
neighborhood.
Jonathan Barker questioned the economics of the proposal and was curious how many table turns
they need every hour to make the business successful. He thought that the average price per user
would be lower than Milano's and require more traffic to be sustainable. He felt that Round
Table Pizza would lose some of the charm of the shopping center and was not right for Tiburon.
He thought that Round Table Pizza made more sense near a larger center.
Peter Winkler said that he has served on the Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission,the
Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Commission and Safe Routes to Schools. He described the traffic
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION November 9,2016 MINUTES NO. 1069 PAGE 7
improvements on Blackfield Drive and said that the plan was reviewed and approved by
Caltrans. He said that kids like to cut through the Cove Shopping Center and as modifications to
the intersection advance, traffic will slow and become even more complicated. He noted that the
staff report indicates that the major impact on the parking lot was from 10:00m AM to 1:00 PM
and he stops by frequently to shop in the center and the lot is already heavily impacted. He said
that the higher volume business anticipated by Round Table Pizza,would require more
employees.
Peter Brooks said that the Commission carries a duty from people long ago who would have
been aghast at allowing a pizza chain her and changing the neighborhood into Strawberry.He
said that this has always been a community shopping center and they want a small restaurant that
serves their needs. He stated that there is a vacant storefront near CVS which would fit a pizza
parlor perfectly downtown.
Jack McLaughlin said he lives at the Cove and there is a lot of construction going on. Many units
are empty but will not be for long. The crossing guard does a great job but there are 8 year old
boys who like to race across Tiburon Boulevard and zip up the street. Wisely, a bike lane was
added but with increased traffic, the kids will be at peril than they are now. He invited the
applicant to try the Waypoint pizza and said Round Table Pizza just does not fit for Tiburon.
Chris Solomon agreed with the sentiments against Round Table Pizza moving in. He said that he
pulls trash out of his front yard 3 to 4 times a week blown out of dumpsters at the center.He said
that there are loud noises late at night now and if Round Table Pizza stays open until 11:00 PM,
there will be more noise and more traffic. He said that he was also concerned with people
parking along streets. He said that his biggest concern was safety and said that the commercial
exit for the Cove is blind to those going south on Blackfield Drive. He asked how Round Table
Pizza would address the safety concerns.
Andrew Thompson said that Round Table Pizza was simply not the right fit,was inconsistent
with the Town's guidelines and ordinance and would not meet the shopping and service needs of
the community,but would instead detract from it. He said that traffic and congestion would be
much greater because of the party room which would be one-third of the entire space. He said
that events will be held for extended periods of time. He felt that a three-month review would not
work and asked the Commission to find a use that is a better fit which and meets the needs of the
community.
Dr. George Van Busai said that although there is no ordinance against chain restaurants in
Tiburon, he wondered what the Commission would do if a Wendy's, Burger King, McDonald's
or Pizza Hut would want to locate in downtown Tiburon on Main Street.
Maggie Champagne said that she has a hair salon and day spa next door to Milano's. She said
that she loves Round Table Pizza,but her clients are used to having luxurious services with quiet
periods. She said that they cannot have after-school and sports team events and Saturday parties
and the noise associated with them or clients will not patronize her business.
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION November 9,2016 MINUTES NO. 1069 PAGE 8
Suzie Dearking said that she has worked at Milano's for 9 years and knows many people in the
community. She said that she read the applicant's franchise background and there was not
anything in it about being a part of the community. She said that there are many elderly people
who come to Milano's early in the evening and she feared that they will have nowhere to go and
as a bartender and server she has heard a lot of anxiety and worry from people.
Cheryl Haley said that she favored maintaining the character and uniqueness that is provided by
Milano's and felt that that would be violated by the feeling of Round Table Pizza.
Peter Schuyler asked what would be done with Milano's liquor license. Director Anderson
clarified that the proposal is for wine and beer only.
Mr. Rifkind acknowledged the number of concerns voiced about traffic and while there is no
traffic study,the number of seats in the restaurant would be the same. He said that the proposed
use would not have as many people as a sit-down restaurant because deliveries would reduce
traffic and take-out traffic would be short stays in parking spots.He stated that there was no
indication that traffic will be significantly higher than the existing use absent a traffic study.He
believed that the Commission could make all the required CUP findings except possibly for
number 4 which is the protection of the health, safety, interest and welfare of the Town. He said
that noise concerns between tenants were an issue for the center landlord. He said that there was
testimony from people who did not think Round Table Pizza was right for the west end of town
and do not want a Round Table Pizza in their neighborhood, but he said that this was not part of
the criteria under the Zoning Ordinance.
Chair Williams closed the public hearing.
Vice Chair Corcoran referred to Section 16-52.040 (d[5]) of the Zoning Ordinance which states
that the needs of the community for additional numbers of such uses is one of the factors to be
considered in determining whether or not a conditional use should be permitted. He asked
whether it was appropriate for the Planning Commission to consider take-out and delivery as
weighing into that factor. Director Anderson stated that these are very broad guidelines and
criteria and the Commission can focus them narrowly or less narrowly.
Vice Chair Corcoran asked if economics can factor into the Commission's determination as to
whether a use permit should be granted or not. Director Anderson said that there are no criteria in
the General Plan or zoning that talk about economics. He said that whether a business will be
successful or unsuccessful is not considered to be within the purview of land use decisions.
Commissioner Weller applauded the applicant's counsel in making as effective a presentation as
he could,but he was not convinced that the Zoning Ordinance could be interpreted to reach the
conclusion Mr. Rifkind asserted. He said that he has lived on Blackfield Drive for 24 years and
knows the Cove Shopping Center well. He said that the traffic issue cannot be ignored. He said
that he was concerned that Nugget Market and Peet's would have an effect on the parking lot and
he has been proven right. He said that there was no question that additional traffic would be
generated by the proposed use.He agreed with former Mayor Thompson that this would be a
tipping point and the wrong kind of use in this location. He said that the change from a sit-down,
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION November 9,2016 MINUTES NO. 1069 PAGE 9
locals environment to one that does not focus on the local population but on children,teens and
the broader community was not appropriate for this location. He applauded the applicant for his
success, but thought that this was the wrong proposal in this location and he would never
approve the permit without a thorough traffic study. He said that the complaints of neighboring
businesses about noise from this location should not go unheeded. He said that the suggestion
that the Commission must interpret terms of the ordinance narrowly and not take into account the
overall welfare of the local neighborhood but also of people coming and going there was
incorrect. He said that he could not reach the conclusions required to approve a CUP and would
vote to deny it.
Commissioner Kulik said that the Commission sees questions of economic viability through the
lens of increasing the vitality of Tiburon. He thought that it was important to note that Milano's
is closing and there will be a vacancy there and the Commission did not hear much about
alternative options to fill that void. He said that in looking at all of the virtues of Milano's and
changing to a use that would be one-third down, one-third delivery and one-third take-out would
not be a replacement in kind but a change of use. He thought that there was a lot of virtue in
Round Table Pizza and filling that space with an enterprise that supports the community,but he
also saw the difference in changing what exists now and putting in something that would be very
different. He stated that the Commission is charged to enforce land uses by limiting the type and
amount of uses within the town to those compatible with the nature, character and image of the
town and also supporting a diversity of commercial uses to serve the shopping and service needs
of the community. He said that some of these findings are subjective and some of the issues can
be mitigated. He cautioned that if the Commission denies this application they would be unsure
what else might go in there and the Commission might have to consider something very
different. He said that everyone loves Milano's and how it adds to the community but they might
not get something anywhere close to that in the future.
Vice Chair Corcoran stated that everybody loves Milano's as a community restaurant,but change
is inevitable and sometimes very painful. He felt that Milano's had been neglected for a long
time and was destined to change,but another restaurant will be there. He said that a dining
restaurant is different than a one-third delivery,one-third take-out and one-third dining
restaurant. He said that there will be a huge amount of traffic which will impact parking and a
party room which would draw people from all over the area.He stated that many businesses in
Strawberry would also be inappropriate if they tried to locate in the Cove Center, because it is a
completely different environment. He did not think he could support the application after looking
at the Zoning Ordinance and the factors the Commission must consider. He said that they should
not change the restaurant's fundamental character.
Chair Williams thought that Round Table Pizza is a fine establishment but she agreed with the
comments of her fellow Commissioners. She said that the Town's zoning ordinance and factors
for reviewing use permits all apply here in a way that weighs against approving this application.
She referred to the subsection that talks about"the protection of the public interest,health,
safety, convenience or welfare of the town" and stated that the Commission heard overwhelming
testimony that this particular use would impact all of those concerns substantially. She agreed
with Commissioner that this might seem like an in-kind use but it really is a change in use that
would significantly impact all of these areas. She appreciated that comments about that this
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION November 9,2016 MINUTES NO. 1069 PAGE 10
space will be available and potentially vacant and she invited the community to think about uses
that could be accommodated here, as an empty storefront is not an attractive alternative or
something that makes for a vital community. She suggested that the Town should encourage
applicant s to reach out to the community,which might have made this application work out
differently. She felt that the decision was about the neighborhood and how this use would impact
them.
ACTION: M/S (Weller/Corcoran) to direct staff to prepare a resolution for consideration at the
next meeting that would deny the application for a Conditional Use Permit on the grounds that
the required findings under Section 16-52.040 (d) of the Tiburon Zoning Ordinance cannot be
made, specifically with respect to the adverse impact on the community as a result of additional
traffic; inadequate parking for the proposed use within the Cove Shopping Center;that the nature
of the use would be a significant enough change from the current use; that it would be
inconsistent with the need of the community for additional uses of the type proposed; safety
concerns;potential noise impacts on adjacent properties; as well as comments voiced in the
record. Motion carried 4-0.
ACTION ITEMS
1. 27 MAIN STREET: Review of Conditional Use Permit to install a canopy on a portion
of an exterior deck for an existing restaurant(Sam's Anchor Cafe); File#CUP2015002;
27 Main Street LLC, Owner/Applicant; Assessor's Parcel No. 059-151-35
Planning Manager Watrous stated the CUP was approved for installing a canopy at Sam's
Restaurant in December. It was appealed to the Town Council and the Council denied the appeal
in February. There is a condition of approval that required a review of the use permit in
November 2016. However,the project has not moved forward and the applicant has indicated
they still wish to operate this and will submit a request for a time extension in the near future.
Staff recommended that the Commission reschedule the review for November of 2017.
ACTION: M/S (Weller/Kulik)to reschedule the review of the conditional use permit for 27 Main
Street to November 2017. Motion carried 4-0.
2. Planning Commission Minutes—Meeting of October 26,2016
Commissioner Kulik requested the following amendment:
• On Page 6, paragraph 4 starting with Commissioner Kulik, line 8, amend to read:He said
that the business is doing the Town a great service and that riding around Angel Island
with a lunch was an awesome way to spend a day in Tiburon and would result in
derivative benefits to other local businesses such as Rustic Bakery and Sam's Cafe.
Chair Williams requested the following amendment:
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION November 9,2016 MINUTES NO. 1069 PAGE I I
• Page 2, "Chair Williams said that she believed that there are different classes of electric
bikes per California law and as she understood it,these bikes do not go more than ge-up
te-20 mph."
• Page 8,4'h paragraph: "Chair Williams said her understanding is that staff believes the
elevator is not consistent with the spirit of prior amendments because it adds to the mass
and bulk, in that she did not understand this conclusion in lieht of the plans.
Vice Chair Corcoran requested the following amendment:
• Page 5, 4w paragraph: He felt that said that for limitafiefis 20 bikes out front would be too
many and look way too congested.
• Page 9, end of paragraph: remove the word"Bureaucrats"
ACTION: M/S (Corcoran/Kulik)to approve the Minutes of October 26, 2016 as amended.
Motion carried 4-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
ERICA WILLIAMS, CHAIR
Tiburon Planning Commission
ATTEST:
N-'
DANIEL M. WATROUS, SECRETARY
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION November 9,2016 MINUTES NO. 1069 PAGE 12
DIGEST
A IPA/
TOWN OF TIBURON Special Meeting
` Tiburon Town Hall Tiburon Planning Commission
1505 Tiburon Boulevard December 13,2016—7:30 PM
Tiburon, CA 94920
ACTION MINUTES
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL At 7:30 PM
Chair Williams,Vice Chair Corcoran, Commissioners Kulik, Weller and Weiner (Kulik absent)
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Persons wishing to address the Planning Commission on any subject not on the agenda may do so
under this portion of the agenda. Please note that the Planning Commission is not able to undertake
extended discussion, or take action on, items that do not appear on this agenda. Matters requiring
action will be referred to Town Staff for consideration and/or placed on a future Planning
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.
COMMISSION AND STAFF BRIEFING
Commission and Committee Reports/Director's Report
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. 1620 TIBURON BOULEVARD: Consider approval of a Conditional Use Permit to modify
an existing wireless communications facility; File 4CUP2016005; ACV Argo Tiburon, LP,
Owner; T-Mobile, Applicant;Assessor Parcel 059-101-03 [KO] [TO BE CONTINUED TO
A DATE SPECIFIC AT THE BEQUEST OF THE APPLICANT]
(Continued to Janaury 25, 2017)
2. Consider recommendation to Town Council regarding amendments to Tiburon Municipal
Code Chapter 16 (Zoning)Article X(Definitions), and Sections 16-52.100 (Secondary
Dwelling Units) and 16-52.105 (Junior Accessory Dwelling Units), among others,to achieve
compliance with newly-enacted state laws; and consider recommendation to the Town
Council regarding adoption of revised "Standards"to be applied in the review of such permit
applications that would be consistent with the new state laws; File#MCA 2016-006 [SA]
(Recommended approval to Town Council 4-0)
ACTION ITEMS
1. 215 BLACKFIELD DRIVE: Adoption of Resolution Amending a Conditional Use Permit to
operate a synagogue and appurtenant day school; File#10404; Congregation Kol Shofar,
Owner and Applicant; Assessor's Parcel No. 038-351-34 [DW] (Adopted 4-0)
2. Planning Commission Minutes—Meeting of November 9, 2016 (Approved 3-0-1)
ADJOURNMENT At 7:55 PM
Tiburon Planning Commission Agenda December 13,2016 Page 1
DIGEST
DEC 1 2 2016 Special Notice
TOWN MANAGERS OFFICE
TOWN OFTIBURON
CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD
OF EQUALIZATION Recordkeeping Requirements for
450 N STREET
SACRAMENTO.CA 95814 Exempt Sales of Medical Marijuana
Beginning November 9, 2016
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DAVID J.GAU
On November 8,2016,California voters approved Proposition 64, Control,Regulate and Tax
Adult Use of Marijuana Act.As a result,certain sales of medical marijuana are now exempt
BOE WEBSITEAND from state,local,and district taxes.To properly claim an exempt sale,retailers of medical
BOARD MEMBER CONTACT
INFORMATION marijuana must verify Purchasers have the proper identification and maintainspecific
www.boe.ca.gov information for their records,as explained below.
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER What qualifies for the sales and use tax exemption?
1-800-400-7115 The sales and use tax exemption applies to the retail sales of medical cannabis,medical
TTY cannabis concentrate,edible medical cannabis products,or topical cannabis as those terms
are defined in the Business and Professions Code section 19300.5.To obtain the exemption,
qualified patients or their primary caregivers must furnish their valid Medical Marijuana
Identification Card (MMIC) issued by the California Department of Public Health(CDPH)
and a valid government issued identification(ID) card at the time of purchase.
What does a retailer need to do to properly claim the sales and use tax exemption?
In order to properly claim the sales and use tax exemption,retailers should not collect sales
tax reimbursement on qualifying exempt sales of medical marijuana. In addition,they
should claim a deduction on their sales and use tax returns for their qualifying exempt
medical marijuana sales. Retailers should maintain the following records (either physical or
electronic)for each transaction:
• The purchaser's nine-digit ID number and expiration date,as shown on the qualified
patient's or primary caregiver's unexpired MMIC(see below for an example of a
patient MMIC);and
• The related sales invoice and/or other original record of sale
What is a valid MMIC?
A valid MMIC is issued by the CDPH. The card (sample pictured below)includes the
following:
State of California • Issued by the"State of California"with
Medical Marijuana Identification Car0, j
the state seal
Patient
• Either"Patient"or"Caregiver"
10# 222222222 -
• Patient's or primary caregiver's photo
J�i mpvi n: • Nine-digit ID number
a we•s�.hi CDPH website to verify the ID number
• Expiration date
Dcp�wtalpublr Hwtlh
415.20&5555 ° • County that issued card,with phone
number
NOVEMBER 2016
L-486
CAL1FORNi Retailers may verify the validity of the nine-digit ID number on the CDPH website at
BOARD OF www.calmmp.ca.gov.
EQUALIZATION
Recordkeeping For more information
Requirements far For more information,please see the California State Board of Equalization's online
Exempt Sales of Tax Guide for Medical Cannabis Businesses at www.boe.ca.gov/industry/medical cannabis.
Medical Marijuana html. You may also call the Customer Service Center at 1-800-400-7115(TTY.-711).
Beginning Customer service representatives are available weekdays from 8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m.
November 9,2016 (Pacific time),except state holidays.
Page 2
NOVEMBER 2016
L-486
MARINACCESS Q�
a program ofmarin transit
newsletter
www.marinaccess.org 1 (415) 454-0902 Fall/Winter 2016
ARE YOU READY?
A guide to prepare for any situation
'Ready ® EVERYDAY PREPAREDNESS
Photo by Flickr UserGovernmento Y Alberta DRESS IN LAYERS Marin has
Dear Rider, many microclimates.The ability to
add or remove layers can be es-
The likelihood that you will recover from an emergency tomorrow sential for comfort when traveling.
often depends on how prepared you are today. While each Marin BRING EXACT CHANGE Paratran-
Access rider's abilities and needs are unique, every one can take a sit, Catch-A-Ride,and the local
few basic steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies. On pages 1 fixed route bus all require exact
and 2, we provide information on what you can do to ensure you are change.
prepared before, during, and after any emergency.
WATCH YOUR STEP The stairs on
Inside,you will also find a Q&A with our newest staff member,Joanna your vehicle can be steep. If they
Huitt.Join us in welcoming her to the team and learn more about her are difficult for you, don't hesitate
on page 3. to ask the operator for assistance
As always, thank you for riding and reading. Until next time, using the lift.
BUCKLE UP Seatbelts are man-
- Marin Access datory and are provided for your
Dear Friend, safety. Remain seated and buckled
in while the vehicle is in motion.
I recently started using Lyft and UBER for certain transportation BRING SOMETHING TO PASS THE
needs and I wanted to share my experiences with the Marin Access
community.My first ride was in late June. I needed to go to a hospital TIME In cases where you get
for an unexpected appointment and I wasn't able to get a paratransit yourappointmentearly g have to
spend a little time waiting for your
ride for a same day trip. I decided I would try UBER. I placed the order ride, you'll be grateful for a dis-
with my phone and the driver was at my door within ten minutes. traction. Many of our riders bring
The driver was very pleasant and the ride from Greenbrae to San books, personal music players, or
Rafael cost me less than ten dollars. small games to occupy their time.
Since then, I have taken a handful of trips on both Lyft and UBER. I PLAN YOUR MEALS Drinking and
have taken rides home from the store when it would have been too eating are not permitted onboard
fartowalkwith my packagesand rides on dayswhen theweatherwas the vehicle unless you have a
unfavorable. Each time the drivers have been kind and considerate. I medical condition that requires
consider it a great addition to my travel options and encourage you doing so. If you do, please alert
to consider if it might work for your needs too. the driver.
— Patti Mangels, Chair of the Paratransit Coordinating Council continued on the next page...//
Fall/Winter 2016 - Marin Access Newsletter <\ q
ARE YOU READY? A Guide to Prepare for Any Situation ...continued
EMERGENCIES WHILE RIDING EMERGENCIES AT HOME
STAY CALM Our operators have received extensive PLAN AHEAD Have a plan for what you will do if
emergency training. They also have printed disaster strikes. Experts recommend that you plan
instructions to reference on the spot! to be on your own for at least three days after an
HOLD TIGHT First, your driver will check on the emergency. Check out the sidebar below for some
condition of all passengers. Next, he or she will planning resources.
check the vehicle and road conditions to ensure it BUILD A KIT Put together a kit with essential items,
is safe to continue driving. If the driver is not able like first aid, flashlights, personal hygiene items,
to continue on your route or needs assistance, he or portable radio, and a copy of your ID. Be sure to
she will call dispatch for instructions. include enough water and non-perishable food to
WHILE ON BOARD During a major emergency, the Iastfor a minimum of three days. (At least one gallon
driver will attempt to take you one of three places:
of water per person per day.)
your home;your alternate drop-off destination;or a GIVE NOTICE If you have any special medical needs
pre-designated safe location. that first responders will need to be aware of, make
WHEN WAITING FOR A RETURN RIDE If you have sure they are written down and saved on your
refrigerator. Use the resources in the sidebar below
been dropped off at your location and are awaiting
a return ride, Marin Access will send a vehicle as to register with 211, the County, and your local fire
soon as one is available to take you home or to a department.
safe location. COMMUNICATION IS KEY During a natural disaster
WHEN YOU ARE AT HOME EXPECTING A RIDE All emergency, electricity may be down and wireless
outbound trips from your home will be canceled networks could experience disruption. Know what
until the emergency is over.You can reschedule your type of landline telephone service you have (will it
ride once service has been restored. work without electric power?), keep your mobile
devices charged if you know a storm is coming, and
conserve battery power once you do lose electricity.
ready - set - register, and plan !
Use these resources to make sure you are prepared in case of an emergency.
211 tall 2-1-1 or visit 211.org The American Red Cross (www.redcross.org)
Ask about Emergency Registration for people Learn life-saving skills in case of an emergency or
with disabilities. volunteer your time for a good cause.
AlertMarin (www.alertmorin.org) FEMA (fema.gov)
Register for Emergency Notifications Find up-to-date resources and information on
Ready.gov the federal response to current disasters.
rhe Department of Homeland Security's website Marin County Fire Department
will help you to prepare, plan & stay informed. (www•marincounty.org/deptslfr)
Contact your local fire department to alert them
of any special needs you may have in case of an
evacuation.
2 >> FaIlMinter 2016- Marin Access Newsletter
--_-.I
= Joanna Huitt has joined the Marin revealing man options so that even
�r�•" =" 1 9 Y P
Access team as a Mobility Manager if their needs change, they can still
y for Whistlestop. Her role includes get around.
supervising our wonderful crew of
Travel Navigators and assisting the How do you think transportation
_ Marin Access team with promoting will change in the next five years?
and strengthening our programs. We I believe that advances in
sat down with Joanna for a Q&A to get technology will expand the public's
to know her better. availability and understanding of
transportation, allowing people to
hometown What is your personal philosophy? make the best choices from a range
Redlands, California Learn by doing. I believe that of options. This will in turn reduce
defining traits jumping in and trying new things isolation for populations such
Adaptable is the best way to figure out what as older adults and people with
Organized works or doesn't work. This can be disabilities.
Observant applied to all areas of daily life.
What do you wish other people
can't live without Where is the best place you have knew about Marin Access and the
avocados traveled and why? Travel Navigators?
Mexico City because the subway is I wish that people knew how many
education fantastic and makes it possible to options exist for getting around.We
Master of Urban and enjoy the art and culture of Mexico. encourage people with disabilities
Regional Planning, Tell us about someone who has and seniors to use the wide range
San Jose State of services offered by Marin Access.
University(SJSU) influenced your decision to work Besides calling theTravel Navigators,
in mobility management. we invite people to stop in and
Bachelor of Arts, While serving as a Commute see us in person! Every weekday
Political Science, Coordinator at SJSU, one of our between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm,
San Francisco State students who had a .disability used the Travel Navigators are available
University(SFSU) a variety of methods (paratransit, to review a plethora of options to
fixed route, light rail) to get around. help clients get around Marin. Our
He shared his trans bortation office is located in the Whistlestop
concerns with me, from getting building in Downtown San Rafael,
places on time to accessibility for right next to the Transit Center.
his wheelchair. Hearing about these
challenges brought mobility issues In six words or less, tell us what
to light for me, and I realized that you envision for the future of the
I could improve the mobility of Travel Navigators.
people in their communities. I love Expanded focus on outreach and
helping people find a solution that awareness.
gets them where they need to go,
Fall/Winter 2016 - Marin Access Newsletter <<\ 3
FIRST CLASS MAIL
U.S-POSTAGE
Marin Transit PAID
711 Grand Ave, Suite 110 COUNTY OFMARIN
San Rafael, CA 94901
1'
MO RIN ACCESS
Para obtener acceso o solicitar una
copia del boletin de Marin Access
en espahol por favor visite al
www.marinaccess.org o (lame al
415-226-0855.
Important Phone Numbers 2016 Marin Access Survey
Call... If you need to...
The Rider Survey enclosed
415-454-0902 » Enroll in any program or ask questions
(Travel Navigators) about eligibility with this newsletter is an
» Ask general questions about any of
the programs opportunity to provide your
Request a CarePool ride to get to a feedback AND our chance
medical appointment or go grocery y
shopping. You must already be enrolled to win a $20 ticketbook
and call one week in advance.
1-855-760-0920 » Use Catch-A-Ride to take a taxi ride for paratransit! Mail in your
and receive $14 towards each one-
way ride you take, up to8per month. survey by the end of January
Call atleast 3 hours prior to your desired
departure time. You must already be to be entered in the raffle.
enrolled.
415-454-0902 » Reimburse a friend or family member 'dffih�.
(East and West Marin) who gives you rides in their personal �J
car. The Travel Navigators are now /transit ''
enrolling riders in both EastMarin and Whiglalap
West Marin. Call them today to enroll. Marin Access is a program of Marin
415-454-0964 » Schedule a ride with paratransit. You Transit in partnership with
(Call Center) must already be enrolled. Golden Gate Transit and operated
415-457-4630 Cancel a paratransit ride. by Whistlestop Transportation.
4 >> Fall/Winter 2016- Marin Access NeWSlettE
: MARIN ACCESS
2016 Rider Survey
Paratransit I Catch-A-Ride I Volunteer Drivers I Travel Navigators I Travel Training
Help us understand your experience using Marin Access services:
If you do not use the service listed, select"NIA"in the far right column.
1. Please rate Marin Access Paratransit (operated by Whistlestop) on each of the following:
Excellent Good Average Poor Very Poor N/A
Cleanliness/condition of vehicle
El
sl� 1417 MMIM
Ease of trip scheduling
M"M
ME
2. Please rate Catch-A-Ride on each of the following:
Excellent Good Average Poor Very Poor N/A
'Ease oftripsched, u.ling
❑ 0 ❑El F-I LL - 0 -
Availability of taxis
�Driver courtesy
F-I El F-I El 11 11
Overall performance D F-I F-I El D D
3. Please rate the STAR/TRIP Volunteer Driver Reimbursement Program on each of the following:
Excellent Good _Average Poor Very Poor N/A
Ease of reimbursement F-I E 1:1 1:1 1:1 -[1-
Ease of finding a volunteer driver El D El 1:1 1:1 D
erall performance
L9v El E El F-I F-I 1:1
4. Please rate the Travel Navigators on each of the following:
Excellent Good Average Poor Very Poor N/A
Helpinq me understand my travel options El El El El El El
Ease of enrolling in Marin Access programs F] El D D F-I F-I
'Referrals to other programs or services F-I F-I F-I F-I F-I 0
Overall performance
Help us better understand how our riders get around:
5. Do you ever ride the regular fixed route bus like Marin Transit or Golden Gate Transit?
Yes No
5a.i If yes, how frequently do you ride? 5b.If no, how likely are you to use the
❑ Frequently (3 or more days per week) fixed route bus if there is a service that
❑ Often (1 or 2 days per week) transports you to and from your home and
❑ Sometimes (1 to 4 times per month) the bus stop?
❑ Rarely (Less than once per month) ❑ Very Likely ❑ Likely
E] Unlikely E] Very Unlikely
5a.ii If yes, which routes do you typically ride?
6. Do you use any other transportation programs or services available in Marin County?
Yes ❑ No
6a. If yes, please check all that apply:
❑ The Hamilton Shuttle ❑ Uber or Lyft
❑ Marin Villages Volunteer Drivers ❑ Silver Ride
❑ Sausalito Village and/orCARSS ❑ Other:
❑ Shuttle provided by my housing complex
Help us better understand who our riders are:
7. What language do you regularly speak at home?
8. Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin? ❑ Yes ❑ No
9. Race/Ethnicity:
❑ White ❑ American Indian or Alaska Native
❑ African American/Black ❑ Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
❑ Asian ❑ Other
10.What category best describes your annual household income?
❑ Less than $10,000 ❑ $75,000 to $99,999
❑ $10,000 to $24,999 ❑ $100,000 to $149,999
❑ $25,000 to $34,999 ❑ $150,000 to 199,999
❑ $35,000 to $49,999 ❑ $200,000 and above
❑ $50,000 to $74,999
11.Do you own and use a cell phone?
7 Yes ❑ No
11 a.If yes, is it a smart phone (a touchscreen phone that combines features of a computer
with a phone, e.g. an Apple iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy phone, or a Jitterbug phone)?
❑ Yes ❑ No
12.Do you use the internet or email, at least occasionally?
Yes ❑ No
12a.If yes, do you use the internet to look up transit information?
❑ Yes ❑ No
13.How many people live in your household (including yourself)?
❑ 1 ❑ 2 E] 3+
14.What is your housing situation?
❑ Own home with mortgage ❑ Live in independent living senior housing
❑ Own home without mortgage ❑ Live in affordable/HUD/Section 8 housing
❑ Rent (apartment/home) ❑ Staying with family/friends
❑ Live in assisted living/nursing home ❑ Other:
15.Is there a drivable vehicle available to members of your household?
❑ Yes ❑ No
16.In the past three months, have you missed or delayed a medical appointment because of a lack of
transportation?
❑ Yes ❑ No
17.Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. In an effort to better assess the specific needs
of our riders, we will be conducting follow-up interviews. By writing your name and the best number
to reach you below,you will give us permission to contact you for an interview.Thank you!
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BAY A A MONITOR ;.
December 2016/January 2017 Volume 42, Number 3 =
Turning Stormwater from Gray to Green
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The EI Cerrito Green Streets Pilot Project,which involved the installation of rain gardens along a stretch of San Pablo Avenue,is one of
several examples of how Bay Area jurisdictions are managing stormwater using green infrastructure. pnotoy'u"wmo
By Robin Meadows
Californias five-year drought is changing our take on water agencies collect money for Stormwater capture. And
rainfall in cities, recasting it from a threat to a resource. 2014's Senate Bill 985 (Pavley) established a key funding
"For so long, stormwater was simply a nuisance, said Keith eligibility requirement for that year's Proposition 1;to receive
Lichten of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality stormwater project grants from the voter-approved water
Control Board."We needed to get it out of the way as quickly bond,jurisdictions must develop Stormwater resource plans.
as possible to protect structures"But stormwater can also be These plans are underway in the Bay Area, with the final
an asset.Instead of directing it into gutters and straight down versions due in 2019."We want cities to figure out what they
stormdrains,we can capture and clean it in rain gardens and need to do,and where they need to do it,to shift stormwater
other planted areas. from gray to green;'Lichten said.
This green infrastructure mimics the natural water cycle, Stormwater could be a significant addition to Californias
replenishing groundwater while enhancing our communities water supply. While the potential is still unknown in the
and ecosystems. "Green infrastructure is important to the Bay Area, Los Angeles estimates that rainfall could provide
quality of life in the Bay Area, not just to the water supply," nearly half a million acre-feet per year,said Steven Moore,a
Lichten said. member of the State Water Resources Control Board. This
A trio of recent laws will nudge us closer to making this may sound trivial compared to the 33 million acre-feet people
vision a reality. The latest, Assembly Bill 2594 (Gordon), use statewide each year,but it's not."Stormwater could make
confirms that whoever captures stormwater also has the a difference;' Moore said. "It could see us through seven
right to use it,while 2014's Assembly Bill 2403 (Rendon)lets continued on page 2
2-Bay Area Monitor December 2016/January 2017
Turning Stormwater from Gray to Green (from page 1)
years of drought instead of five." Spine,which retrofitted a 12.5-mile stretch with a variety of
Ways of capturing stormwater include low impact green infrastructure.
development, which minimizes hardscaping in favor of But given that the technology is so well established, not
permeable surfaces.These let runoff percolate into the soil and to mention so beneficial, why isn't green infrastructure
recharge groundwater,essentially storing rain from wet years more widespread?The main reason is that funding is scarce.
for use during dry ones.Another approach is bioswales,planted "One of the biggest challenges of changing our approach to
areas along curbs that are engineered to collect rainwater that stormwater is the cost;said Water in the West's Ajami.
sheets off sidewalks and streets. Besides boosting the water Proposition 84 — the 2006 water bond — provides some
supply, permeable surfaces and bioswales help filter out the funding for green infrastructure, including half of a new$3.4
oil,pesticides,and other pollutants that rain picks up from the million initiative called Urban Greening Bay Area; the other
moment it hits a hard surface."Green infrastructure provides halfis from the Environmental Protection Agency.The initiative
a double-sided benefit, improving water quality and supply," will include the Chynoweth Avenue Green Street Project in San
said Newsha Ajami,director of urban water polity at Stanford Jose,which will install rain gardens and tree-planted medians,
University's Water in the West program. as well as projects in San Mateo and Sunnyvale.
A third benefit is that green infrastructure slows the Additional green infrastructure funding will come from
stormwater that flows into stormdrains. In conventional Proposition 1, which allocated$200 million for stormwater
gutters and stormdrains, stormwater builds up speed and projects with multiple benefits. "We want the biggest bang
"packs an erosive punch of energy into creeks,"Lichten said. for your buck," explained Sean Maguire, who manages the
In contrast,slowing stormwater helps protect our waterways, state Water Board's Storm Water Grant Program. So far,the
renewing creeks and wetlands. program has allocated$9.5 million for stormwater planning
Moreover, rain gardens and bioswales are assets to urban around the state.Three of the 22 projects are in the Bay Area,
communities. "You can see the benefit with your own eyes with planning grants of nearly half a million dollars each
every day as you walk down the street;' Moore said, citing going to the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water
green areas that provide hummingbird and butterfly habitat Conservation District,the Santa Clara Valley Water District,
in the middle of cities. and the Sonoma County Water Agency.
The Bay Area already has a bit of green infrastructure. By the end of this year, the next round of Proposition I
San Francisco has eight demonstration projects underway, funding will provide$100 million to build stormwaterprojects,
including rain gardens—which are like bioswales but are less and a number of Bay Area proposals are in the running.The
precisely engineered — and partial daylighting of Yosemite balance of the bond money will go toward a second round of
Creek to manage runoff from McLaren Park.In the East Bay, stormwater implementation projects in 2018.
examples include the El Cerrito Green Streets Pilot Project, But the available funding is not nearly enough to meet all
which retrofitted 750 feet of San Pablo Avenue with rain of Californias green infrastructure needs. Street-by-street
gardens, as well as the San Pablo Avenue Green Stormwater retrofitting will cost an estimated$20 billion in Los Angeles
About the Bay Area Monitor
Launched in 1975,the Bay Area Monitor is published six times The Monitor isalsosupported by the Alameda-Contra Costa
a year by the League of Women Voters of the Bay Area Education Transit District, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District,
Fund, and covers transportation, air quality, water;:open space, Delta Diablo,. the East Bay Regional Park District, the Marin
and land use issues in the nine-county.San Francisco Bay Area. Municipal Water District, the Metropolitan Transportation
The publication is distributed to League members, elected and Commission,the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District,the
appointed officials,governmentemployees,libraries,media outlets, Peninsula Corridor joint Powers Board and,the San Mateo County -
nonprofit organizations, business leaders, and engaged.residents. Transit District,the San-Francisco Bay Arm Rapid Transit District,
Every edition is.also,posted online at www.bayareamonitor.org. the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority,the Santa Clara Valley
Subscriptions to the Monitor are free,but reader donations are Water District,and the Sonoma County Water Agency.TheMonitor
encouraged and help to sustain the publication. Donations are retains editorial autonomy-from its supporters.
tax-deductible, as the League of Women Voters of the Bay Area Contact usat(510).839-:1608or:editor@bayareamonitor.org
Education Fund-:isa nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Alec MacDonald,Editor , Madeline Kronenberg,LwVBA President
December 2016/January 2017 Say Area Monitor-3
alone, Maguire said, and "statewide the price tag will be sitting on an impending disaster."
astronomical." That said, he also thinks Californias lag in maintaining
Even Californias existing old-style stormwater systems stormwater infrastructure may have a silver lining:"It gives us
are underfunded. According to the Public Policy Institute the opportunity to do it in an integrated way that incorporates
of California, the shortfall is $500 million to $800 million green infrastructure,rather than just rebuilding the system'
per year. Stormwater funding is pinched by Proposition And Lichten thinks this new vision for using stormwater
218, which passed in 1996 and mandates a two-thirds vote to benefit us may also hold a solution to the funding problem.
for raising local property-related fees. While rates for water "There's lots oftransportation fundingin the BayAreaanditcan
utilities and wastewater treatment were exempted from the support complete streets, which have bike lanes and walking
supermajority requirement, rates for stormwater systems paths;'he said."Maybe it can support green streets too."
were not. "It's an unintended consequence — the people
who were working on it just didn't know,"Moore said."We're Robin Meadows covers water far the Monitor.
Screened out of Cap-and-Trade Funding?
By Cecily O'Connor
Since launching in 2012,California's cap-and-trade-program
J'
has helped Bay Area transit operators by contributing $351.8
million to big expansion projects that strengthen community
sustainability and cleaner transportation. But transit officials
are expressing concern about proposed changes to a mapping
tool that identifies disadvantaged communities (DACs) eligible
for cap-and-trade grunts.They said CalEnviroScreen (CES) 3.0
criteria is narrow and could hurt funding distribution in parts of
the Bay Area by excluding communities here and favoring others _
in Southern California or the Central Valley.Adding to concern
is new legislation changing the way transit operators spend funds. '
Bom out of Assembly Bill 32 (Pavley) in 2006, cap-and-
trade is a statewide effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions. It
generates revenue by collecting permit fees from businesses that This newly built light-rail vehicle, procured by SFMTA using
produce emissions above a certain cap. However, revenue has cap-and-trade revenue,will go into service in 2017. Fpn,u,nue .BFb A
been declining due to doubts about the program's future,which
is threatened by a California Chamber of Commerce lawsuit purchasing electric trains to replace its diesel locomotives.This
alleging that the fees constitute an illegal tax There are also program,which focuses on capital improvements,has provided
questions aboutwhether the cap on emissions is rigorous enough. a total of$152.3 million to the BayArea,including$86 million to
"There are a lot of ups and downs in the revenue-raising the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency(SFMTA)
because there is uncertainty," said Eddie Alm, executive for buying 10 light rail vehicles and meeting ridership demand.
director at Brightline Defense Project, a policy advocacy Two other transportation programs have provided the
nonprofit based in San Francisco. region with cap-and-trade funding; one has allocated$162.2
About 60 percent of cap-and-trade funds filter into million for financing housing (including low-income units)
transportation programs. The biggest of these is high-speed near public transit, and the other has allocated$37.3 million
rail, which is expected to contribute funding to the Bay to transportation agencies for reducing operations emissions.
Area for electrification of the Caltrain system, since the two Each cap-and-trade transportation program has its own
railways will eventually share the same Peninsula corridor. funding criteria,but CES factors into all of them except high-
While that allocation has yet to be made,a separate cap-and- speed rail.The first version of the mapping tool was produced
trade program has already contributed$20 million to Caltrain for continued on page 4
4- Bay Area Monitor December 2016/January 2017
Screened out of Cap-and-Trade Funding? (from page 3)
by the California Environmental Protection Agency(CaIEPA) closely at these and other issues prior to the finalization of
in April of 2013. In September, the agency released the draft CES 3.0.Sam Delson,the office's deputy director for external
for CES 3.0,which is tied to 20 indicators(see sidebar below)to and legislative affairs, explained that "part of this includes
score the state's 8,000 census tracts.The Bay Area has 29 fewer evaluating whether the available data is of sufficient quality
census tracts in CES 3.0 compared to the previous version, to provide meaningful results at the census tract level'
representing a 34 percent drop. Addressing CES methodology feels even more urgent for
As currently drafted,CES 3.0 creates potential for low-income some Bay Area transit operators when they take into account
communities to be screened out when they score high in certain new legislation. Passed this fall, Assembly Bill 1550 (Gomez)
variables, but not high enough in others to meet the DACs stipulates 25 percent of cap-and-trade funds be invested within
definition, according to letters that MTC and other local transit DACs, instead of the previous requirement that 25 percent of
officials submitted during the recent public funds simply benefit DACs.AB 1550 is one of
comment period. CES 3.0 Indicators four cap-and-trade bills negotiated as a package
For example, some census tracts in Ozone this fall. Specifics of each bill vary,but they do
Oakland,Antioch,and Concord are beset by Fine particulate matter intend to help fund state and local programs by
unemployment, asthma, diesel particulate Diesel particulate matter cutting emissions and are affected by the much-
matter,and poverty,but CES 3.0 omits them Drinkingwatercontaminants debated DAC definition.
because their scores for hazardous waste, Pesticide use "We're still working through those
solid waste, and impaired water bodies Tonic releases implications; said SFMTA Chief
aren't high enough. Traffic density Spokesperson Paul Rose about AB 1550.
"You can'tua as a disadvantaged Cleanup sites
q � g Groundwater threats For example,the most congested points on
community unless you are heavily polluted SFMTA bus and rail routes that serve DACs
and socioeconomically disadvantaged; said Hazardous waste are typically located elsewhere on those routes.
Impaired water bodies
Rebecca Long,MTC's government relations solid waste That means benefits for residents in DACs can
manager. Asthma often be achieved by investing in other areas
To be fair, not all areas saw drops. San cardiovascular disease within SFMTM service zone.
Francisco added four census tracts in Low birth weight infants Overall, its unclear if legislative changes
Bayview-Hunters Point, one of the city's Educational attainment and DAC definition challenges will prevent
most economically depressed districts. But Linguistic isolation cap-and-trade from functioning the way
to bring greater parity to CES,transit officials Poverty it's intended over the long term. Advocates
suggest more vetting to better reflect DAC Rent-adjusted income point out that identifying DACs is a nuanced
attributes statewide. Some even provided Unemployment process, and that CES has contributed a
recommendations to weight applications framework that has advanced large-scale
for specific programs according to pollutants relevant to the transportation planning goals.
funding program. Cap-and-trade"has given incentive to the kinds of projects
"We're urging a reconsideration of the current definition we know reduce vehicle miles traveled, improve safety, and
of disadvantaged communities; said Jayme Ackemann, provide folks in the Bay Area options for housing,"said Joshua
director of marketing and communications at the San Mateo Stark,state policy director at TransForm,an advocacy group.
County Transit District. However,its important that cap-and-trade is not assessed in
Long also advised a cost-of-living adjustment. When isolation,but rather as part of the larger regulatory context that
added, it shows the Bay Area has 17 percent of the state's also includes other state climate change policies aimed at energy
households living in poverty,compared to less than 3 percent renewables and low-carbon fuel standards,said Alice Kaswan,
statewide under CES 3.0. professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law.
"Right now,our advocacy effort is not about dismantling CES "You caret evaluate[cap-and-trade]out of context;'she said.
as a tool,but ensuring its as inclusive as possible;'Long said. The final version of CalEnviroScreen 3.0 is due for release
The state's Office of Environmental Health Hazard prior to the end of 2016. Wu
Assessment, which has been partnering with CaIEPA in
developing the mapping tool since the beginning,is looking Cecily O'Connor covers transportation for the Monitor.
December 2016/January 2017 Bay Area Monitor-5
The Super Pollutant Gang
By Leslie Stewart
Carbon dioxide may be a major climate change culprit,but next focus is residential wood fires. In the Bay Area,the Air
its far from the only one.Unlike carbon dioxide,which grows District has been targeting this source through its Winter
slowly but steadily in the atmosphere and lasts a long time,the Spare the Air program, a ban on wood-burning fireplaces
gang of bad actors known as short-lived climate pollutants hits in new construction, and incentives for purchasing cleaner
hard and disappears fast That might not be a concern if they woodstoves. A more difficult source to target will be
were produced by a short-term source and,once gone,did not wildfires;reducing potential fuel requires both more efficient
recur.However,they are common and constant,so their impact fire suppression and forest management.
on the environment is substantial — and they're now in the
crosshairs of new policies at the regional,state,and global levels. Methane
Short-lived climate pollutants include three categories Methane is the primary component of natural gas. It has
— black carbon, methane, and hydrofluorocarbons — that more than 30 times as much impact on climate change as
share little in common, aside from their rapid and severe carbon dioxide over 100 years, and is more than 80 times as
impacts on climate change. They have all been regulated to powerful over 20 years.The main routes for methane to reach
some degree already, but their power ' t r-t the atmosphere are through dairy and
to heat the atmosphere has now put agricultural operations, and from the
them under more intense scrutiny. - decomposition of organic material in
In September, Governor Brown landfills.Leaks from natural gas and oil
signed Senate Bill 1383 (Lara), which wells and pipelines are also a significant
codifies state goals for reducing short- source. A source that has not been
lived climate pollutants. Using 2013 thoroughly evaluated is emissions from
emission levels as a baseline, the state vegetation decomposing in wetlands
now has until 2030 to curtail methane and at the bottom of reservoirs.
by 40 percent, hydrofluorocarbon Because nearly 60 percent of the
gases by 40 percent, and human- state's methane emissions are from
generated black carbon by 50 percent Cows represent a significant source of agriculture, primarily from dairy
The legislation also sets targets for methane emissions. ,„ ,by oma farms, reducing emissions from
reducing organic waste in landfills. manure will be key to reaching the 40
SB 1383 will further shape related efforts by the California percent methane reduction target.In addition, cow belching
Air Resources Board (CARB), which expects to adopt its would also be regulated if effective techniques are identified,
Proposed Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Strategy in late such as feed changes or additives.
2017. In this region, the Bay Area Air Quality Management Dr. Ryan McCarthy, senior policy advisor at CARE, said
District has responsibility for implementing some of the state that a new $50 million methane reduction fund includes
measures, and has been developing a short-lived climate support and incentives for dairy farmers making changes.
pollutant component for its next Clean Air Plan. "We are looking at a broad range of possible solutions that
may be used to achieve these goals;'he explained.
Black Carbon Organic materials that wind up in landfills also generate
Also known as soot, black carbon is produced by methane. CARB proposes to divert that waste to food
incompletely burning fossil fuels or biomass like wood. It recovery programs, compost facilities, or renewable fuel
absorbs solar radiation,warming the atmosphere;deposited production. Some landfill methane is already piped off and
on snow and ice, it holds heat and speeds melting. In used as fuel, but anaerobic digestion facilities would be
addition to its undesirable effect on the climate,black carbon more efficient in harvesting the gas, which can be used as
also contributes to health problems such as respiratory and fuel in trash-management vehicles.A joint$40 million effort
cardiovascular disease,cancer,and birth defects. between CARB and CalRecycle has a target of eliminating
CARB reports that black carbon in California has already disposal of organics in landfills by 2025. Local communities
been reduced by more than 90 percent in the last 50 years, will play a large role in this,and the Bay Area is ahead of the
mostly through strong regulations on diesel exhaust. The continued on page
6-Bay Area Monitor December 2016/January 2017
Super Pollutants (from page 5) Nature on the Edge
game,as San Francisco and Alameda counties already have
food waste diversion programs.
CARB is also working with the California Public Utilities _
Commission to develop regulations to cut methane emissions
from drilling,pumping,transportation,and storage of oil and
gas.This leakage is wasteful and expensive,but finding small
sources across miles of pipelines and at thousands of wells - -
will require diligence as well as new detection techniques. [
According to Advanced Projects Advisor Yvette DiCarlo,the
Air District has provided input to the new regulations,as the
agency would be responsible for implementing them at the - —
local level through permits and enforcement.
Hydrofluorocarbons
Hydrofluorocarbons are fluorinated gases which were
introduced as substitutes for ozone-depleting chemicals,but The Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center is part of a vast
they are still harmful greenhouse gases,typically thousands network of open space assets vulnerable to sea level rise along
of times more potent than carbon dioxide. Enforcement the shore of the San Francisco Bay. pnewMN.e �o"de
of current state regulations on hydrofluorocarbons is a
large part of the regional strategy. "For facilities with large By Aleta George
refrigeration systems,checking for leaks and making timely Sitting atop stilts at the edge of the San Francisco Bay,the
repairs is critical for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,and Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center serves as a popular
it can also help businesses save money on energy costs and spot for kids and adults to learn about bay ecology. The
lost refrigerant," DiCarlo explained. Incentives may also be tides rise and fall below the building every day,and director
used in the future to encourage users to phase in alternatives Adrienne De Ponte knows when they rise more than usual.
such as carbon dioxide,ammonia,or other refrigerants that Last year, when a high tide mixed with a storm surge, the
have significantly lower greenhouse gas impacts. water lapped five inches from the bottom of the interpretive
Internationally,a new agreement on hydrofluorocarbons center. The water came so close that De Ponte envisioned
was adopted in Kigali, Rwanda, in mid-October. It would the work needed if water came into the building.
reduce global levels by between 80-85 percent by 2047. "Sea level rise is happening now. If you add storm and
The U.S. would stop increasing use of hydrofluorocarbons wind to a king tide — when the sun and the moon exert
by 2018, and reduce use 10 percent by 2019, based on the most gravitational pull — you will get flooding," said
2011-13 levels. "We're excited to see [the agreement];said De Ponte.
McCarthy,"but it alone is not likely to meet the goals we've De Ponte has been thinking about sea level rise for nearly
set for ourselves in California. We'll still be pursuing our a decade, and she isn't alone. The notion and science of
own plan to achieve an earlier reduction' sea level rise has been lapping at the doorsteps of bayside
Cutting short-lived climate pollutants now will have a municipalities,agencies,and communities for years.
quick impact while efforts to bring down carbon dioxide The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development
continue. CARB estimates that slashing these "super Commission (BCDC) has been assessing vulnerabilities in
pollutants"will pay off within 15 years.Some climate control targeted regions of the bay through its Adapting to Rising
advocates are concerned that since reducing short-lived Tides (ART) Program. During that process the agency
climate pollutants could be cheaper than the cost of reducing determined that a regional sea level rise adaptation plan
longer-lasting carbon sources,attention and f ending mayshift was needed. Following a year of workshops to establish the
away from the long-term measures.However,delay in tackling scope of the proposed plan, BCDC commissioners voted
any of these pollutants will have significant consequences. Wk in October to move forward with staff recommendations
for developing it. A first draft is expected to be complete
Leslie Stewart covers air quality and energy for the Monitor. in three years, and at some point the public will have an
December 2016/January 2017 Bay Area Monitor-7
opportunity to review and comment on it. The plan will priorities.BCDC staff will determine which valued functions
guide, assist, and recommend specific actions, but those — such as transportation, recreation, education, or health
actions won't be required, said Lindy Lowe,a senior planner and safety—are threatened by sea level rise.For example,at
at BCDC. the southern end of the Hayward shoreline, these functions
The adaptation plan is not just for airports and office include the approach to the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge at
developments.It will include assessments and recommended California State Route 92 (transportation); the Bay Trail
actions to protect natural areas, too. "Local and regional (recreation); the East Bay Regional Park District's Hayward
agencies have for decades made a significant investment in Regional Shoreline park(recreation); the interpretive center
building a network of parks, trails, open space, and natural (education); and the city's wastewater treatment facility
shorelines.Sea level rise is a significant threat to those assets;' (health and safety).
said Lowe. "Individual actions taken to protect these vulnerabilities
As global temperatures have increased beginning in the separately are not going to buy a solution that will last long,"
late 19th century, sea levels have risen with them, due to said Lowe."What they want is to work on an integrated plan
both the thermal expansion of warming ocean waters and that responds to all vulnerabilities;'she explained.
the melting of glaciers. In the last 20 years,sea level rise has The Hayward shoreline represents an opportunity to
doubled what it was in the 20th century, and is expected to implement a solution such as a horizontal levee, a type of
progress even faster going forward. The National Academy green infrastructure developed by the Bay Institute that uses
of Sciences projects that sea levels south of Cape Mendocino the concept of tidal marshes to reduce the impact of storm
could rise as much as 12 inches by 2030, 24 inches by 2050, surges. One is currently being tested just a few miles to the
and 66 inches by 2100. Add wintertime storm and surge north by the Oro Loma Sanitary District in San Lorenzo.
conditions, and high water A traditional levee is not
events are expected to Thank You for Your Support as attractive here because it
increase from 10 hours a is important to have access
The h(onitor would like to acknowledge recent donations
decade today,to 1,000 hours to the bay for education;
from Anne Ng and Mary Alice Thornton. Such .generous
a decade in 2100. financial contributions are greatly appreciated; and help said Wendy Goodfriend,
"Today's king tides are this publication continue to fulfill its mission. Donations also a BCDC planner. "The
tomorrow's high tides; said to the League•of Women Voters of the Bay Area Education Hayward shoreline has room
De Ponte. Fund, a 501(c)3 organization,- are tax deductible. on the landscape to set a
The San Francisco Bay levee back, and it's a great
Trail is on the frontline of sea level rise. Now 70 percent place to allow nature to work for us, as well as allow it to
complete,the recreational path will eventually run 500 miles survive and be more resilient:'
around the edge of the bay, through nine counties and 47
cities. Talking About It
"There is a lot to lose;' said Laura Thompson, the Bay The plan includes a specific action to increase awareness
Trail's project manager. She pointed out that"in our 27-year about sea level rise, and to communicate to the public how
history,sections of the trail have become part of the fabric of the Bay Area can adapt successfully to its threats.
our communities' recreation, environmental education, and "Sea level rise is a big, intimidating thing;' said De Ponte.
alternative transportation." About seven years ago, her boss came back from a BCDC
Thompson said that communities that manage the trail presentation in tears after looking at inundation maps,and told
already experience flooding and temporary overtopping De Ponte that theywould turn their entire focus to sea level rise.
of levees, and she welcomes a regional plan. "The Bay Trail De Ponte was resistant,and not because she didn't believe
weaves its way through different landscapes, whether it's a in it.All the scientists agree it's not a hoax.The municipalities
hardscape city or the soft edges of a wetland It's an important are all working on it. There is zero conflict;' she said. Her
resource to preserve and can be part of the solution,"she said. worry was what it would do to her programs. She knew she
A key component of BCDC's adaptation plan is needed a curriculum and a model for how to talk about it
collaboration between sectors, which should help with — what words to use, and what words not to use. De Ponte
identifying solutions, procuring funding, and setting conti,nsed on page 8
i
B-Say Area Monitor December 2016/January 2017
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Nature on the Edge (from page 7)
has been working in wetlands and wetland communication The Hayward shoreline is one of the most vulnerable
throughout her professional life.She knows that she only has areas to sea level rise.It is also ahead of the game in terms of
the blink of an eye with visitors and students, and says she addressing the situation.
doesn't want to scare them away. She wants visitors to fall in "Some cities and regions will be able to meet this challenge
love with wetlands,like she did. better than others because of resources already in place;
Today there are tools to help with education and said Lowe.However,she noted that in the Bay Area,"With a
communication to the public. Entities such as the National regional support system, the region can do the job of lifting
Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation everybody up to protect the public health and safety of all
and the Bay Area Climate Literacy Impact Collaborative community members, and preserve our natural and built
have been building up professional networks to support assets all along the shoreline"
more effective messaging. These kinds of resources will be
highlighted in the BCDC plan. All George covers open space for the Monitor.
This section of the San Francisco Bay Trail extends north from the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center.The trail has flooded some half dozen
times in the past two decades,and is threatened by more frequent inundation in the coming century due to sea level rise. pA w W Al"momma
DIGEST
TIBURON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14,2016 �/� /
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 6:30 P.M., HEADQUARTERS
FIRE STATION
1679 TIBURON BLVD.
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. CONSENTCALENDAR
All items under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and may be approved by one motion
of the Board of Directors unless a request is made by a member of the Board,public or staff to remove
an item for separate discussion and consideration.If you wish to speak on a Consent Calendar item,
please seek recognition by the Board and do so at this time.
A. Approval of Minutes, November 9,2016 (Action)
3. COMMUNICATIONS
4. PUBLIC OPEN TIME for items not on the agenda
This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons who want to address the Agency on any matter not
listed on the agenda. The Ralph M. Brown Act prohibits discussion of items that are not duly placed on
the agenda. Speakers are limited to three minutes. Please Note. the Chair will allow time for public
comment on each agenda item.
5. CHIEF'S REPORT
A. Monthly Report (Discussion)
6. CLOSED SESSION
A. Personnel(Government Code 54957)
1. Appraisal of Fire Chief (Discussion/Action)
7. TREASURER'S REPORT
A. Finance Committee—Directors Sears and O'Neill (Discussion)
Finance Committee Meeting—Wednesday, December 14,2016, 1800 hrs.
Headquarters Fire Station, 1679 Tiburon Blvd.
B. Approve Warrants and Payroll (Action)
8. RESOLUTIONS
A. 2016-12, First Amended Joint Powers Agreement of Fire Districts Association of
California Employment Benefits Authority(FDAC-EBA) (Action)
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. MERA—Chief Pearce (Discussion)
B. SMEMPS—Director O'Neill (Discussion)
C. PERSONNEL—President Kirchhoff and Director O'Neill (Discussion)
10.BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. Election of Officers 2017
B. Comments
11.ADJOURNMENT
NEXT REGULAR TFPD BOARD MEETING:January 11, 2017,6:30 P.m.A complete agenda package is
available for viewing at 1679 Tiburon Blvd. Copies of past TFPD minutes are available for viewing at the same
location.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,if you need special assistance to participate in this
meeting,please contact the District office at 435-72oo. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting
will enable the District to make reasonable arrangements.