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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTC Digest 2016-11-11 TOWN COUNCIL WEEKLY DIGEST November 7-11, 2016 TIBURON Correspondence 1. Email—November 7—JPA: Article on Food Waste Reduction in Schools 2. Email —November 9—Reappointment acceptance: Laura Fennema-Tiburon Representative on the Sonoma Marin Vector Board 3. Notice—November 8—Election Observer Information Agenda, Minutes 1. Cancellation—November 15 —POST Regular Meeting 2. Cancellation—November 17—Tiburon Design Review Board Regular Meeting REGIONAL, NOTICES AND AGENDA Announcement 1. Newsletter—Marin Conservation League— Nov/Dec 2016 Agenda, Minutes 1. Agenda—November 14—Belvedere City Council Regular Meeting 2. Agenda— November 15—Sanitary District 5 *POST: Parks and Open Space and Trails Commission Diane Crane lacopi From: Devine, Steve <SDevine@marincounty.org> Sent: Monday, November 07, 2016 4:21 PM Subject: Solid Waste JPA: Article on Food Waste Reduction in Schools Hello JPA Board Members and LTF Members: Please see the following link for an article on ExtraFood.org's website about a program reducing food waste in schools: http://www.extrafood.org/how-we-help/impact-story-novato-school-district/ Thank you, Steve Steve Devine Program Manager Countyar Marin I Dept Public Works Waste Management Division I CUPA I Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program 1600 Los Gamos Drive,Suite 210,San Rafael,CA 94903 1 P.O.Box 4186,San Rafael,CA 94913-4186 P:(415)473-2711 1 F: (415)473-2391 sdevinerR ma ri ncou ntv.ore Join Marin County's move to Zero Waste! Visit xivw.zerowastemarin.nre Email Disclaimer: http://www.marincounty.org/main/disclaimers 1 Impact Story:Novato Unified School District I ExtraFood.org I Helpin... http://www.extrafood.org/how-we-help/impact-story-novato-school-dis.. �,� -v a Foo Food �j}'ec��v�ry in Marin County: We pick up excess fresh food from), i fin'ess'es & organizations and immediately deliver it to nonr�o,__f__i__ts serving Marin's most vulnerable children, adults, and families: Helping to end hunger in Wrin 415.997.9830 contact(&_Extra Food.org Home The Need What We Do How You Can Help Community About Press How Our Program Works Our Impact In Marin Impact Story: Nugget Markets Impact Story: Novato Unified School District Who Donates Excess Food Who Donates Food Via Planned Giving Who Volunteers Who Receives Food Impact Story - Novato Unified Schonal Lastnct Miguel Villarreal Helps Solve Food Injustices in Marin County October 2016 y Miguel Villarreal was five nE years old, sitting in front a r of the television in his family's home in Idaho. He was watching fitness c� and health expert Jack LaLanne talk about wellness. Jack's words -- ^; had a huge impact on Miguel, and ultimately shaped the direction of _ P"�+ - , „ his life. 1 of 5 11/7/2016 5:19 PI Impact Story: Novato Unified School District I ExtraFood.org I Helpin... http://www.extrafood.org/how-we-help/impact-story-novato-school-dis., t-forward to today and you'll e fja Miguel is the Food and rition Services Director of ato Unified School District SD). He is responsible for w ing 8,000 K-12 students in chools. In Miguel's mission - J` t elp the students eat h Ithier, including eliminating 3 ons of sugar every year since 2004, and eliminating rated fats from their diets, he noticed another lem in the district's food system: food waste. s imizing food waste and donating food to people eed y T journey to Miguel's discovery of food waste in D's system began when he learned about the tremendous amount of edible food rotting in farmers' s. A migrant whose family moved from Texas to i' the lands of Idaho, Miguel has the mindset of a er. Food that's too big, too small or oddly shaped _,.quldn't be squandered, it should be eaten. So, with Marin Organic, he created a gleaning program and t brought Marin County families, and his own staff, to the s to learn, and to pick tomatoes, potatoes, beets other produce left to waste. Over time, Miguel nected back to how NUSD treated unused, edible food and it hit him: Instead of sending good food to the landfill, he could donate excess food to those in need. This would help solve the problem of NUSD's edible food waste while also helping to alleviate hunger in Marin. Miguel is always looking for efficiencies. He has brought rigor to NUSD's food program, including ways to minimize food waste upfront. He orders just the right amount of ingredients and steadfastly orchestrates just-in-time deliveries. But like any food business, there are certain factors that cause unused, edible food to go uneaten. Whether it's a matter of kids' changing tastes (despite NUSD's thorough meal-testing process before a dish becomes a menu item), kids absent from the cafeteria because they're on a school fieldtrip, or students' change-of-mind about what they want to eat, there are untouched meals remaining at the end of the school day. 2 of 5 11/7/2016 5:19 PI Impact Story:Novato Unified School District I ExtraFood.org I Helpin... http://www.extrafood.org/how-we-help/impact-story-novato-school-dis.. In 2015, Miguel partnered with ExtraFood, the only countywide food recovery program of its kind in Marin. ExtraFood works closely with Marin nonprofit partners that serve low-income children, adults, and families, staying up-to-the-minute on their food needs. ExtraFood's staff locates donations from businesses that meet those needs, and volunteers pick up and deliver the food in less than 30 minutes, at no cost to donors or recipients. What might normally end up in the landfill goes to help many of the 50,000 vulnerable people in Marin who need extra food the most. Half of those people are children and seniors. "When I started working for Novato Unified School District in 2002, there was no locally-grown produce being offered to the students. That's an injustice. Today, we offer plenty of it to our kids, but not all the food is used. We had been throwing away perfectly good, healthful food at the end of the day — produce and prepared food — instead of providing it to families in the community who could benefit from it. That's an injustice. Thanks to our local farmers and ExtraFood, both of these injustices have been resolved in our efforts to improve the culture of wellness in our schools and our community," says Miguel. Knowing he wanted to get staff invested in the ExtraFood program, Miguel brought in Mary Zauderer, founder of ExtraFood. Mary shared real-life stories with staff about the people in Marin who need more food - the many families that often have to face the choice of paying for food or paying their mortgage or medical bills. The staff now has a deep appreciation for the donation program. Martha Ochoa, food service manager at Lynwood Elementary says, "I'm so happy someone is using the food. I'm proud to prepare the food for others, and to work at NUSD." "Preparing the food is easy," says Christine Sirianni, food services assistant at Lynwood. "We wrap it, label it, and ExtraFood volunteers pick it up when it's convenient for us." There are other substantial benefits to donating excess food. It saves the money it would cost to dispose of the waste, provides a tax deduction and decreases impact on the environment by redirecting food away from landfill. Food donations go a long way to providing healthy food to those in need One of ExtraFood's recipients of NUSD's donations is the YMCA's Hamilton Child Care program at Hamilton School in Novato. NUSD sends things like chicken tenders, sandwiches, pasta with sauce and meatballs, and burritos — a selection the children are happy to eat. Because the YMCA is a nonprofit, the food donations allow them to reserve what 3 of 5 11/7/2016 5:19 PI Impact Story:Novato Unified School District I ExtraFood.org I Helpin... http://www.extrafood.org/how-we-help/impact-story-novato-school-dis. they would spend on food for other services that help the community. For example, some of their families have been homeless, so the YMCA has covered childcare for their children. "ExtraFood gets us the food we need," says Nana Sosa, site coordinator at Hamilton Child Care. "Their donations save us 20 percent every month that we can give back to the community in the form of services." ExtraFood also delivers NUSD's food to Ritter Center in San Rafael who provides a critical safety net to 300 of Marin's low-income and homeless adults and children. Meat and cheese burritos, spaghetti, Chinese food, sandwiches and enchiladas are a few of the types of food donated. "The food is high quality and nutritious. It's food that people want," says Shaun Marshall, services and volunteer coordinator at Ritter Center. "If we didn't get the donations, some of the homeless we serve would go without dinner." This is exactly the kind of impact Miguel seeks to make in the community. "The benefits reside with the recipients and the goodwill that comes from this program," says Miguel. "Food has always been a unifier of people and ExtraFood has allowed us to unite with our community in a manner that is beneficial to both of us." COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: VOLUNTEERS Since June Ananda has been doing a variety of food trips throughout the county-4 this week!And on top of that, we were lucky that Ananda was so flexible this week—traveling out to West Marin for a delivery when the original San Rafael recipient had to cancel. We're grateful to have Ananda on our team. 4 of 5 11/7/2016 5:19 PI Impact Story:Novato Unified School District I ExtraFood.org I Helpin... http://www.extrafood.org/how-we-help/impact-story-novato-school-dis. Laws Protect Food Donors Volunteer Resources ©2016 ExtraFood.org. ExtraFood.org is a nonprofit,501(c)(3)organization with Tax ID 46-4025887. contact(aD_ExtraFood.org 415.997.9830 PO Box 150394 - San Rafael,CA 94915 Supported in part by: a.' !Y.VMw • 1 5 of 5 11/7/2016 5:19 P'. DIGEST Diane Crane lacopi From: Laura Peck Fennema <I_fennema@yahoo.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2016 9:50 AM To: Diane Crane lacopi Subject: Laura Fennema Reappointment Hi Diane—Yes I would like to be reappointed for a two year term to represent Tiburon on the Sonoma Marin Vector Board. Thank you and I look forward to working with you. Laura Laura P. Fennema 415.797.2281 t WNW M a n n Votes November 8, 2016 - Election Observer Information November 8, 2016, General Election Anyone may observe all aspects of the election process so long as they do not interfere. Central counting of vote-by-mail ballots starts 10 business days prior to the election, and is conducted in the Elections Department, which is located in Suite 121 of the Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. Counting takes place during regular business hours (weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Election Day polling places are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. A list of polling places and the Election Observer Guidelines are available on our website (www.marinvotes.org) The manual tally of ballots is conducted during the official canvass period following the election. The date will be determined the week after the election. Call 415-473-6456 for more information. Lynda Roberts, Registrar of Voters, Marin County Elections Department COUNT OF RIN Jld L NOTICE OF MEETING ' CANCELLATION THE REGULAR PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016 HAS BEEN CANCELLED THE NEXT MEETING OF THE PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION WILL BE A SPECIAL MEETING SCHEDULED ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017 SCOTT ANDERSON, SECRETARY DIGEST • _ NOTICE OF MEETING CANCELLATION THE REGULAR TIBURON DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016 HAS BEEN CANCELLED THE NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD IS THE REGULAR MEETING OF THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016 %-ft JA?f t%" DANIEL WATROUS, SECRETARY 0 CONSERVATION _VVS L'L LEAGUE Managing Marin's wildlands What's the A tale of two plans solution for RECEIVED Hwy 37? NOV 0 7 2U1B by5u5on5tompe Ill tate Route (SR) 37 can be a TOWN MANAGERS OFFICE refreshing drive across a wa- TOWN OFTIBURON tery shorebird sanctuary or a maddening stretch of traffic if its NASCAR weekend or during a / weekday commute. The highway is an essential funnel for thousands of MCOSD collaborates workers entering and leaving Marin with Marin County daily. For suppliers, it's a key freight Fire and local fire connection between 1-80 and High- agencies to reduce way 101. It's also a flooding problem fuels,maintain hun- waiting to happen with rising sea lev- dreds of acres of fuel el.SR 37 crosses thousands of acres of breaks, and maintain former wetlands being restored to the fire roads for safe tides.Sitting in traffic,it's hard not to passage for firefight- think about solutions that could ad- ing equipment and dress the variety of conditions. evacuation in the Highway 37 is currently being event of fire. Mndn cu„nneq scrutinized by the four counties it by Nona Dennis both are dealing with the continuing impacts—Solano, Napa, Sonoma and scourge of Sudden Oak Death and emer _ Marin. In 2014, government officials, October marked the release of two g g staff and community interests were long-awaited plans to manage vegetation ing effects of climate change; four County on the lands of Marin Municipal Water open spare preservesshareboundarieswith Continued onpage 4 District (MMWD, or District) and the Marin MMWD lands; and the two agencies work County Open Space District (MCOSD, or closely together.As a consequence,the two INTHisIssHE— County). agencies plans share many features. Presidents message—page 2 MMWD's watershed and the County's Many neighborhoods are Editorial:Ranching in the Park-page2 open space preserves have much in com- mon: they are wild and remote, and at the eXposed t0 risk Of Wildfire Status update: RTMP—page 3 same time "urban" in context; they host New Director profile—page 5 many of the same plant communities and The plans also differ in three noteworthy ways. Unlike the contiguous expanse of Events—page 5 wildlife habitats; decades of fire reprosuppra MMWD land,the County's open space pre- Restoring a watershed—page 6 veghave fostered build-up of fire-prone serves are widely dispersed and therefore vegetation; both must maintain hundreds Tipping point for climate—page 8 of acres of fuel breaks, while endeavoring expose many neighboring communities to Downtown San Rafael—page 9 to hold back the spread of invasive weeds; Continued on page 10 PAGE i e 1- . 1 A Message from the President—On "truth" "Truth" has been stitute the word "truth" or "viewpoint" for of argument.Through advocacy, MCL takes in the media a lot "photograph" or "it" and you'll see what I positions, presents argument, and through lately. But apart mean.) public process promotes what we believe to from the presiden- There is power in people telling their own be true, while participating with others in tial election,truth is stories and sharing their views with others, planning for our future. an interesting topic. h and for others to engage in active listening. As Gunter Grass said, "The job of the The fact is,truths are MCL, through its public programs (and in citizen is to keep his mouth open." Both not always self-ev- its newsletters), actively engages in elu- through active advocacy and through pro- ident, and what we cidating topics we've been following. We viding opportunities for information and each hold true has a bring together speakers whose insights are public discussion, MCL remains focused on lot to do with what we experience. Often based on unique perspectives and intimate its mission of preserving and protecting the what seems to be true from a distance can knowledge of place or understanding of a natural assets we all share. be very different close-up. topic:We've found that recent discussions, As always, MCL welcomes your partici- Personal truths and viewpoints in some such as on Ranching in the Park or on man- pation and depends on your support. We ways can be compared to a photograph. aging invasive weeds with the tools of In- look forward to celebrating the holidays A photograph depends on the mediation tegrated Pest Management, have enhanced with you at our upcoming holiday party, of light. A photograph depends not only our understanding in a way that isn't pos- December 21d on what is seen, but is cognizant of what sible on the editorial pages of the Morin U remains unseen. It isolates and frames. It or on social media.As we together engage selects.It's a decision that dependsboth in hearing different points of view,the nor- G^ focus and framing. And it is relevant to a rative can become clearer. moment in the continuum of time. (Sub- On the other hand,some truths are born Editorial Ranching in the Park— not by accident By any measure, MCUs series of work- ence, and David Lew- shops on ranching on Point Reyes is, whose technical `` r National Seashore presented this fall has background and daily Vr been a success! The first three in the se- work with ranchers as ti ries prompted lively discussions amongst Executive Director of ranchers, both on and off the Seashore, University of California and non-ranchers eager to learn about Cooperative Extension, the daily lives and conditions of ranchers brings broad under- and to better understand the particular standing of how the conditions of ranching within a nation- land "works" and of al Seashore that also harbors "wilderness" the people who work and hosts two million visitors annually. the land. They assem- (The fourth workshop, held after deadline bled an array of knowl- w for this Newsletter, featured the younger edgeable and engaging . generation of ranchers who are carrying on speakers and designed the traditions of their great-grandparents a flow of relevant top- and great-great-grandparents, but with ics.Those who attend- group °°"d``"'" A breakout rou discusses the issues in the second 21"century interests, knowledge and aspi- ed all of the workshops Ranching in the Pork workshop. rations) will come away with a The success of the series is testimony vivid reminder of the unique endowment beef ranching in that setting. to thoughtful planning b two MCL board of resources that makes the Seashore so g p g y extraordinary,and new appreciation for the Workshop was ti lesson in the histo- members:Sally Gale, who understands the ry of Point Reyes es National Seashore, from rigors of ranching from first-hand experi- challenges and satisfactions of dairy and Continued on page 3 PAGE 2 Ranching from page 2 Longtime College of Marin professor Joe of the park. They are also subject to strict Mueller brought the perspective of anecol- federal and state regulations that protect early concepts as a "park"in the late 1920s, ogist to Workshop#3."Ecological"days and water quality,for example, in confined an- to congressional authorization in 1962 and seasons on Point Reyes are defined not by imal facilities, like dairies, and on grazing land purchases in the 1970s that wouldn't human activity but by physical forces:tides lands. At Workshop #3, Nancy Scolari, Di- have been possible without the ranchers' define the days,and winds and currents de- rector of Marin Resource Conservation Dis- concurrence,and through decades of shift- fine the seasons, dictate the climate and, trict, discussed how the RCD has assisted ing national priorities and evolving park along with geologic forces,shape the land. ranchers for decades in meeting standards management, to the present day. Nature Together, these physical conditions ex- and complex regulations through resto- writer John Hart, National Park Service plain the extraordinary biological diversity ration of their lands and waterways, to the (NPS) historian Paul Sadin, and Professor on a Peninsula that is moving inexorably benefit of both ranchers and the environ- Laura Watt laid the groundwork for the northwest at the rate of 2.5 inches a year ment park's progression from recreational focus from its origins in Baja California.900 spe- The stated objective of the MCL work- to emphasis on conserving natural and cies of vascular plants, 61 of them endem- shops was to educate and enable informed historic resources"as will leave them unim- is to the peninsula and 50 listed as rare, comment on the Ranch Comprehensive paired for the enjoyment of future genera- threatened, or endangered; and 280 bird Management Plan that the NPS is prepar- tions." (1916 Organic Act) species! These riches are due in large part ing to support extending ranch leases on Throughout decades of changing laws, to the maritime environment, temperate the Seashore up to 20 years. It will take policies,and park personnel,several gener- climate, fog, complex geology, and topo- time to digest the high content level of the ations of ranchers continued to ranch and graphic variability of Pt.Reyes. Frank Dean, series and determine whether the work- farm land in the pastoral area.At Workshop former NPS superintendent, noted that shops met this objective;the video record- #2,two of them—beef rancher Ted Mclsaac Point Reyes National Seashore is among the ing of the speakers will be helpful when it and dairyman Bob McClure, both 4th gen- top ten NPS park units in numbers of rare, becomes available. If there was an infor- eration ranchers on park land—described threatened,and endangered species:"Point mal objective, however, it was to mingle some of the daily,seasonal,and annual de- Reyes is a special case,a special place!" and exchange views—ranchers and non- mands of a "24/7/365" occupation, for ex- The ranchers on Point Reyes understand; ranchers—and to learn more about ranch- ample,feeding,milking,calving,and culling and in fact benefit from, these conditions, ing and the Point Reyes National Seashore. herds; seeding and harvesting silage, and, and as a consequence they expect to pro- On that score,the workshops exceeded ex- most important, managing pasture. 'The tect resources and meet the high standards pectations! —Nona Dennis,Editor days are not routine," Mclsaac told the audience. He added that the rancher's oc- cupation is not raising cattle or cows, but Status Update managing pastures, harvesting grass, and County Road and Trail Management Plan improving habitat To maintain nutritious grasses, for example, McClure rotates his Marin County Parks continues to im- by disrupting salmonid spawning habitat cows among 30 different paddocks. plement the Road and Trail Manage- when the creek is flowing. The crossing, Other speakers underscored the signif- ment Plan. The plan for designating shown below, will continue to serve as icance of questions facing today's ranch- roads and trails in Region 3 open space access for emergency vehicles only. The ers: "What's ahead, and how can I sur- preserves has received public comment project also calls for decommissioning vive? What new technologies, new market and will soon be released. Region 4, in- the failing High Water Trail. trends, or regulations are coming along cluding Mt. Burdell and Rush Creek Pre- to force me into a new direction?" Some- serves, among others, is next a, how ranch families on the Seashore have on the list. been able to carry on their traditions with I A public meeting was held park personnel, and modify their practices recently in Fairfax to pres- as the times and laws and standards have ent a proposal by Friends of demanded and economics have permitted. Corte Madera Creek and Marin The rancher has to love the work and the County Bicycle Coalition to wayof life to offset the low margin of prof-9 p bridge San Anselmo Creek in it.Mclsaac and McClure agreed that neigh- #? " 9 g Cascade Canyon Open Space y�- �n� -;�,• *, born are an important part of that way of Preserve.The project will elim- life; they help each other, and they create inate the need for mountain community. bikes to ford the creek, there- Dm ftk, PAGE 3 Highway 37frompage l n mittee considered alternatives to the possibility of ced- engaged by the Road Ecology Center of UC 9 ' ing a public right- Davis in a series of stakeholder meetings to of across study the issues. Caltrans stated early on state tidelands to they have little to no funding for a proj- ect and would have to rely heavily on the With the excep- counties' Congestion Management Agen- tion of Supervisors cies (CMAs). The engineering firm AECOM Arnold and Kinsey was contracted to model future inundation (in his last months and conduct risk assessments. The study in office), Marin concluded that there is no adequate al- ternative alignment, and without major County Supervi- sors seem generally construction, there is no safe Tong-term uninformed on the life for the roadway as it exists today.Three °"" elevated roadway designs were proposed Traffic on Hwy 37. A private proposal calls for constructing a proposal, although el el AEed r One was s roadway on an im- two-lone toll road/causeway, with bike/pedestrian path,over impacts on Marin proved levee; the other two were elevated wetlands. The causeway would carry eastbound traffic to the could be consid- south of the existing highway, which would carry westbound erable. For exam- causeways which would allow water to traffic. Tolls would pay for constructing and maintaining the ple, the proposal flow underneath. structure. leaves unresolved In early 2016, a SR 37 Policy Committee the future flooding (ad hoc) was formed with representatives of segments of Hwy 37 between U.5.101 the authority to contract with UBP. Exclu- from the four counties Marin's represen- sion of Marin and Napa Counties is being and Sears Point, which lie at a lower ele- tatives are Supervisors Steve Kinsey and considered in that neither owns property vation than the segment from Sears Point Judy Arnold and Mill Valley Councilmember in the proposed segment.That would leave to Vallejo. Stephanie Moulton-Peters. Executive Direc- Sonoma and Solana as the only counties to Members of MCL's Land Use and Trans- tors of the four county CMAs also attend. participate in a future JPA. portation Committee were told about the The Policy Committee is considering ways to m alleviate traffic, provide safe passage as the The public needs to know m at a Policy Committee's discussions water level of San Pablo Bay continues to p meeting in June and expressed particular All this ignores important issues, in par- concern over the private toll road aspect rise,and locate possible funding strategies of the proposal. MCL believes the project, ticular a lack of public awareness, particu- P P p J In Spring, 2016, United Bridge Partners larly in Marin.The proposed project has had Which could impact Marin in numerous (UBP) was introduced to the committee no environmental review,nor has the com- ways,needs a full public airing. by former Supervisor Gary Giacomini. UBP submitted an unsolicited proposal to con- struct an elevated toll road/causeway from Highway 121 at Sears Point to Mare Island a Yr r� in Vallejo,parallel to and south of the exist- ing Highway 37.The roadway would carry ` . two lanes of eastbound traffic and a bicy- cle/pedestrian path. The existing Highway 37 would remove the concrete dividers and carry all westbound traffic.Tolls would enable UBP to pay off the billions needed to build and maintain the structure. The question of ownership of the right-of-way would be a subject of negotiation. Highway 37 is Because the Policy Committee was cre- a key freight ated under a MOU, it has no authority. At connection its most recent meeting, the committee between voted to explore creating a Joint Powers Highway 101 Agreement (JPA), which would give them and Interstate 80. PAGE .,.a r..z.. November-December 2016November-De Seniors on the move New Director Profile Ralph Man, San Rafael Ralph is a life-long resident of Marin County. Having grown up in an An- '' , selmo, he has hiked and en- joyed Marin, s. Federal, State, u ' County and local open space and neigh- borhood parks since early childhood. He " has resided in west San Rafael for the Fall was in the air when MCLIed the pen- under Measure A. The Walks feature sto- last 47 years. ultimate Senior Walk for 2016 inlndianVal- ries from Marin's conservation history and Ralph retired after a 37-year career ley Open Space Preserve.In the background include transportation to the trailhead and as regional legal counsel for the West- are the ballfields of College of Marin Indi- lightsnacks. The final 2016 Walk was Oet0- ern Region of the National Park Service an Valley Campus. The Senior Walks are ber 27th at Deer Island preserve. Four Walks (62 National Parks) and the US Fish made possible by funds from County Parks will take place in spring of 2017, destina- and Wildlife Service (32 wildlife refug- Department Community Grant Program tions to be announced. es). During his professional career he was involved in the acquisition of over , million acres of land and all aspects Leaders Circle at restored of the management of those lands for M eadowsweet Dairy preservation and appropriate public rec- reational use. He is involved in many Marin organi- MCL's Leaders Circle gathered on late the story of Corte Madera's early days zations, including as founding Director October 8t1 for luncheon in the handsome- and dairying in Ross Valley was Jana Haehl of the Marin Open Space Trust (MOST). ly restored Meadowsweet Dairy in Corte (standing in photo),Corte Madera's histori- He serves on the San Rafael Park and Madera. Lunch was served in the spacious an and former Presidentand board member Recreation Commission (since 1982), reconstructed barn, which serves as work of Marin Conservation League. and the Boards of Directors of the Bay room and display gallery for an impressive For more information about MCUs Lead- Area Ridge Trail Council and the Point collection of repurposed drift wood —relies ers Circle, please contact Shannon Doherty Reyes National Seashore Association, from a long-gone era of logging in Marin at mcl@marinconservationleague.org or and is active in other conservation and that have been naturally sculpted by de- call 415-485-6257. recreation entities. cades of ocean and sand. On hand to re- a a i s PAGE5 Restoring a watershed , project by project U Fr - fT PA<IfK. RIQiARY ocuM ' � nv aa�' IP ✓: '� ... ear` g R�P � a N � WIden Wt Natf r IRe tiorIAwa 0 Matin Muaidpal VhlerOislM M ®� u.. GIJwNe Sta10 Pa,l¢. LpocA a MannCumyol Spaw Down 0 IMIT. — U The Redwood Creek Watershed. Iu have visited Muir Woods Na- it may be the most studied watershed in cades of ranching, flower cultivation, road tional Monument recently you Marin County. It is definitely one of the construction, and other human activities may have seen a bronze model most visited. have also left their marks: sediment-pro- of a Redwood Creek Watershed in the ducing roads and trails, confined and re- entry plaza. You can pour water into Fern Threats to the watershed aligned creeks, and impaired water quali- Creek near the 2,572-foot East Peak of Mt. Ninety-five percent of the watershed ty, among others. Due to these and many Tamalpais and watch it flow down through is owned and managed as parkland by other factors, the coho salmon population the redwoodson itswayto Muir Beach.It'sa Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD), in Redwood Creek is struggling to survive. good wayto view Muir Woods in its context Mt.Tamalpais State Park, and Golden Gate Projects toward a Vision At only nine square miles, the Redwood National Recreation Area, including Muir Creek watershed is not the largest water- Woods. The remainder is divided among In 2003, the land agencies partnered shed in Marin County (Lagunitas Creek Green Gulch Farm and the residential en- with local residents and created a Vision watershed is ten times larger), but it looms claves of Muir Beach and Muir Woods Park. to restore health to the ecosystem. Gold- large in ecological and cultural significance The State owns SR 1,and the County owns en Gate National Parks Conservancy joined (See map above). From the top of Mt Tam Muir Woods Road. as a non-profit partner to help raise funds. to sea level,it embraces a mosaic of wood- Up to a million visitors come annually Some projects were underway,such as NPS' lands,forests,chaparral, grasslands,coastal in cars,vans, and shuttle buses to visit the removal of levees from Redwood Creek scrub, and wetlands, as well as the stately Monument.Others on foot or horseback or along the former Banducci flower farm and redwoods. It offers habitat for the imper- bikes come to recreate on miles of roads installation of"engineered log jams"to en- iled coho salmon and steelhead,red-legged and trails. And therein lies a problem: the hance salmonid habitat frog, northern spotted owl, and many rare watershed is a victim of its own popularity, Much collaborative work has been ac- plant species. Second to Lagunitas Creek, to the detriment of fish and wildlife. De- Continued on page 7 PAGE Watershed from page 6 such as deep pools,undercut banks, and tangles of brush as refuge for 3 complished since 2003 or is currently un- young fish. derway or planned to restore natural hy- The project also plans to re- draulicfunctionsandgeomorphic structure place four narrow, aging pedestri- to the creek and floodplain, enhance fish an bridges that currently span the habitat, improve water quality, combat creek with longer, higher, wider, invasions of non-native plant and animal and more durable bridges. species, remedy sediment sources in the } upper watershed, and revegetate with na- Plans to improve entry areas „ tive plants. outside Muir Woods began in 2013 and returned recently as the Muir The centerpiece is the 46-acre Wetland Woods Sustainable Access Plan. and Creek Restoration at Big Lagoon at This project will upgrade parking Muir Beach, begun in 2009 and (almost) lots, better manage drainage, and ter. completed in 2014. The Coho Jumpstart improve pedestrian walkways. It Projectis endeavoring to bolster the coho will also replace the "temporary" population by transporting juveniles to Dipsea Trail bridge with a perma- a Sonoma hatchery for safe rearing and nent one. re-introducing them to the creek as adults. Green Gulch Ranch recently reconstruct- To address the crowds, traffic ed 0.3 miles of its creek and restored 1.5 congestion, and parking on Muir miles of riparian habitat. Wood Road, the NPS signed a Memorandum of Understanding The work is far from done,however.More (MOU) in 2014 with the County to °"Porker A runner crosses the Dipsea Trail"bridge" projects continue to come forward along gradually eliminate most roadside across Redwood Creek In Muir Woods. Redwood Creek, sponsored by the various parking and protect the creek from partners.Several are summarized here.(See polluted storm runoff.The MOU is linked to Dias Ridge Trail for safer passage. Funding also nps govigoga Search:"Redwood Creek a Muir Woods Reservation System, in- for the project is not yet secured. Watershed") tended to reduce peak visitation numbers By far the largest project in the queue New and ongoing projects and spread out parking and visitor demand is the multi-year Muir Woods Road Re- over non-peak periods. Conditions of the habilitation Project, which will rehabili- On September 20, 2016, the NPS pro- MOU are being implemented, and the res- J posed its Muir Woods Salmon Enhance- tate and widen 2.48 miles of Muir Woods ervation system is projected to start up in . ment and Bride Replacement Project Road through Franks Valley and repair or 9 P J late 2017. associat- juveniles, inside the Monument. The proj- to enhance salmon habitat, especially for replace some 36 culverts, Ion NPS and State Parks proposed the Red- ed with polluted runoff into the creek. As ect calls for removing boulders installed wood Creek Trail Re-alignment and Dias project sponsor, Marin County has received 80 years ago to stabilize banks and placing Ridge Trail Extension project in late 2014. $5.2 million in FLAP funds (Federal Lands large woody debris in the stream.These two The project will realign the popular 2.1- Access Program) and will provide 11.47% actions will help to restore a more natural mile Redwood Creek Trail out of the flood- in matching funds. The Federal Highway floodplain and improve habitat structures, plain, replace three bridges,and extend the Administration will manage design and construction.The project will get underway November 9, 2016, with a public meeting e " at 6:00 p.m. at the Mill Valley Community 0 Center. In a "complimentary" project, the County is designing the Muir Woods Road Bridge Replacement Project to replace -• the 70-year-old bridge just west of Muir Woods entrance.The County is hoping that The Muir Woods Road construction can be tied in with the"FLAP" i Rehabilitation Project project. will repair broken Taken together, these projects are like asphalt and replace pieces in a jigsaw puzzle:each should help old culverts through ' to reduce impacts from visitors and infra- Franks Valley .... structure and restore health to the Red- wood Creek watershed ecosystem. PAGE 7 ..;.�,,. r - 1 ccemb•r 2016 Tipping point for climate : Election 2016 Election day they are gone. When did we pass that climate deniers. Most people, she said, do tipping point? Wara assured the audience agree on climate change, if not on the may have been decided by the time you that "tipping points" also can be positive. causes,but they don'tsee it as importantin read this issue of the MCL Newsletter. Or As renewable energy technologies contin- their lives.The key is not to try to persuade the election may be so imminent that lim- ue to drop in price, solar energy can now them that climate is important,but to start ited opportunity remains to influence its compete on a level playing field with other with their priorities,whether their concerns outcome. At this.writing, the differences energy sources. Further, even conservative are national security, the economy, health between the presidential candidates on cli- care or other.Invariably there will be a con- mate policy are stark: one candidate con- "There is no 'No Action' nection with the effects of a changing cli- tinues to label climate change a hoax and alternative when it comes to mate.However,since the effects of climate a scam and pledges to reverse U.S. com- climate!"—Rep.Jared Huffman change are felt locally, the conversation in mitments to the 2015 Paris Agreement and Fresno will differ from that in the Bay Area, otherObama policies;the other sees climate Republicans are now willing to talk about, where the risk of flooding from a rising sea as an urgent threat and pledges to make it if not support, carbon fees. He pointed level is tangible. an executive priority. Indeed, according to out that California has just passed SB 32 In his remarks, Jared Huffman posed Josh Fryday, Novato Councilmember, who with its ambitious goals for reducing car- contrasting climate policy scenarios under moderated a September 19 educational bon emissions. (See box, below.) This sends each of the presidential candidates. Re- forum on climate at Dominican Universi- signals across the country that Republican publicans, he said, are the "last bastion of ty,"this may be one of the most important support of climate policy may be coming a climate denial on the Earth. Even Vladimir elections in the planet's lifetime!" little closer—may be reaching that tipping Putin accepts climate as the greatest threat That wasjust one call to action imparted point toward bipartisan consensus. to the world." Whatever the political out- by the three speakers at the forum, includ- Kate Gordon, Vice Chair of climate and come, he said that we must not go from ing Congressman Jared Huffman,to several sustainable urbanization at the Paulson denial to despair.Brilliant innovators are at hundred people who gathered to consider Institute, believes that there are no real Continued on page 9 the implications of Election 2016 on the fu- ture of the U.S.climate agenda. MCLjoined Organizing for Action and Sustainable San _ Rafael and a dozen other organizations inrre�: '.. co-sponsoring the forum,the third in a se- 5B 32—In ease longer-term climate stabilization goal ^ ries under the rubric"Lead on Climate."The ,J of 80 percent reduction in emissions by" immediate purpose of the gathering was to �y®l.I i1'IISSed It 2050,originally set in 200S by Governor mobilize voters to influence the outcome of 1 Schwarzenegger the election. But the broaderur ose was In the event you were on vacation P P Achieving the new target for 2030 to consider how to moveublic opinion or otherwise occupied,you may have P P and the 2050 goal will be not easy.The over the longer term—how to make climate missed that Governor Brown signed SB g required cuts in emissions will affect a matter of relevance and priority t0 those 32 into law on September 1, noting that nearly all aspects of life in the state who, although not "denim," do not view "What doing here is farsighted, g — where people live, how they get to climate as an imminent threat. as well as far-reaching. California is do work e. putting i. ing something that no other state has - ( g), how their more clean cars e The subtitle of the forum was 'Ti m the roads), how their food is produced PP g done." points," and the metaphor was useful. Mi- The legislation calls for the state to (e.g., capturing agricultural methane), and where their electricity comes from ehael Wara, Professor of Law at Stanford cut greenhouse gas emissions to 40 (making renewables.competitive).As and a former climate scientist, reminded percent below 1990 levels by 2030. - climate specialist Jeff Caton, PE, Err- the audience that we generally can't re- The State is currently on track to meet vironmental Science Associates(ESA) verse an approaching tipping point in a the earlier goal of reducing emissions recently observed: "Within 13 years, changing climate; decisions made 10 or to 1990 levels by 2020,set ten years Californians must come to grips.with. 100 years ago will have consequences in ago by the landmark California Global what it really means.to be a 'low carbon the lives of our children, as ice-sheets dis- Warming Solutions Act of 2006(AB 32). economy!"' appear, storms and flooding intensify, and The new target adds urgency to the forests continue to decline from unclear state's commitment.to meet a causes of disease and drought until one — PAGE 8 December 2016 Vision for San Rafael's downtown station area by Kate Powers - ? y A SMART test train pulls into the a According to Mayor Gary Phillips, how downtown San Rafael station. o San Rafael's downtown station area will n ; look and function will be San Rafael's great- est challenge over the next several years. In September,Mayor Phillipsjoined the Feder- s - ation of San Rafael Neighborhoods, led by _ interim president Amy Likover,and a panel I v,: f - r. .•: of stakeholders, including County Supervi- sors Damon Connolly and Katie Rice, San Rafael staff,representatives of local neigh- borhood associations and leaders of local nonprofits, including MCL, in answering the question,"What vision does each of you have to guide the-very real decisions = -_- now being made in the Downtown Station Area-the future of the new transit center, the old train depot,commercial crossroads, creek confluence, filtration of storm runoff Rafael could then be dispersed in order to and creeks and pathways in the area?" and flood management,and restoring areas relieve the congested downtown. Some visions of the station area were of the creek under Highway 101 and near Supervisor Rice cautioned that traffic broad in scope and pictured a world-class Mahon Creek with native plantings to pro- solutions in the station area will impact gateway. Others harkened back to Marin's vide buffers, natural greenways, and act as Marin's East-West flow elsewhere.She em- rich history when railroads connected other urban refuges for wildlife. phasized the need for good analysis and city centers to San Rafael's train station,and Other proposed greenery included con- traffic studies that map out the scope of envisioned the historic station as hub for nected walkways bordered by drainage study and use realistic traffic projections many modes of transportation.Alternative- swales planted with trees and low shrubs, The greatest need expressed was for ly, as in the early 1900's when San Rafael's especially along a converted West Tamal- Theegreatety of t need and intersections. baths were a popular destination, greater pais multi-use path that would connect to use of San Rafael's waterways was proposed. the North-South Greenway, reach south to The greatest need expressed by all, be- A desire for greater watershed-based 2n°Street,and eventually connect to the Cal sides general traffic calming, was safety of planning along the transportation corridor Park Hill tunnel.These connecting walkways San Rafael's streets and intersections- for was expressed.This could include improving would not only be enjoyable, but could also kids traveling to school,for seniors,and for boost economic vitality in surrounding areas other pedestrians and bicyclists who share Concerns about the relocation of the the streets and sidewalks connecting San Tipping point frompage 8 Bettini Transit Center were raised and in- Rafael neighborhoods and other destina- work, among them Paul Hawken's "Project cluded the caution that the more than tions Marin County Bicycle Coalition's, Drawdown," a growing coalition that de- 9,000 people who currently use the Transit Jim Elias, stated it best: "When we invest scribes when and how humanity can reach Center daily should not face new obstacles in safety,we get systems that are beautiful climate drawdown-the "tipping point" nor have their wait times increased. Some and that work." at which greenhouse gas concentrations panelists expressed the hope that San Ra- The public will soon have an opportuni- in the atmosphere begin to decline on a fael will embrace its "citiness" as an urban ty to comment on bicycle and pedestrian year-to-year basis Through mapping and core-that the city will realize its Priority connections throughout San Rafael as its modeling, one hundred existing techno- Development Area potential and develop Department of Public Works and its Bicy- logical, ecological, and social solutions can more affordable housing. It was suggested cle Pedestrian Advisory Committee begin continue to scale up over the next three that trolleys or shuttle buses run between an update to the Bicycle Pedestrian Master the Miracle Mile and the downtown station decades to reach that drawdown. Huffman Plan.The Federation of San Rafael Neigh- concluded the evening by reminding the area. An alternate suggestion would relo- borhoods intends to follow-up by encour- audience that "there is no "No Action" al- cate the Bettini Center to Larkspur to be aging local decision-makers to imagine the ternative when it comes to climate! near the Ferry and Larkspur SMART station. downtown station'area with the visions Smaller satellite bus stations around San shared. PAGE November�Decmbe, 1 Two pla nS from page i a Draft Tiered Program Environmental Im- and revision in response to changing con- pact Report(Draft TPEIR)in 2015.About the ditions and new knowledge. Fourteen ap- the risk of wildfire. To address these scat- same time,a sign posted on Ring Mountain proaches and 27 management actions are tered and diverse conditions, the County's Open Space Preserve stating the intent to detailed in the Plan to achieve these goals Plan incorporates a full suite of available treat invasive weeds with glyphosate was Herbicide use is not included as an option. IPM tools, including the option of herbi- met with public outcry. Thus, voluminous Environmental review of the plan will begin cides, to manage invasive weeds, based on comments on the Draft EIR focused largely this November and take up to a year. the best available science; in contrast, the on herbicide use. MMWD plan eliminates herbicides, based Staff responded to comments and a year How do the plans compare? on board policy as a supplier of water. Fi- later released the 640-page Final EIR on The plans are similar in many ways. Both nally, to be effective given this limitation, October 5, 2016. At this writing, the Plan identify biological resources and ecosystem MMWD's plan is primarily a 5-year work had not yet been approved by the Board of functions that are threatened by non-na- plan and budget to-meet realistic goals, Supervisors, sitting as MCOSD Board of Di- tive weeds. Both plans identify and map whereas the County's plan is a broad- rectors, pending further work on the Final sensitive resources such as rare plants, and based, far-reaching decision document for EIR they map vegetation in zones reflecting planning future projects. The implications degrees of sensitivity and disturbance, and of these differences are significant. MMWD followed a somewhat different implied management needs. Both agencies trajectory. The Dis- count forest health and climate change A firefighter works to ensure an Oct 11 grass fire trict manages an as emerging management challenges. at Old St Hilary's is completely contained. 18,900 acre water- Both agencies are exposed to surrounding shed on Mt. Tam. neighborhoods and must juggle resources To update its 1995 Vegetation Man- and strategies to protect natural values agement Plan, the while ensuring public safety. District held public MMWD's Mt. Tam watershed forms one 'rte workshops in 2008 contiguous expanse, thus limiting their that examined the total exposure. In contrast, the County's effectiveness of widely distributed preserves are "back- many vegetation yards" to 3,300 homes, with thousands management tools, more within 500 feet.The risk of wildfire is including herbi- a huge potential liability for both,however. rides (Note that Both agencies employ an"Integrated Pest Cmig Salim Win Co.fyopen sp..Da&a the District had Management" (IPM) approach to control suspended use of weeds, using a combination of mechani- herbicides in 2005,pending further study.) cal equipment to mow or mulch, manual History of Plans By 2013, the District had produced a hand-pulling, cultural manipulation such It has taken eight or more years of data draft 15-year plan to minimize fire haz- as by solarizing, and, very infrequently, gathering, review of current science and and and maximize ecological health on its prescribed fire or browsing by goats. The watershed, while fulfilling its basic mission MCOSD, in limited situations where other state-of-the-art practice and tools, and of furnishing reliable high quality water at tools are infeasible or ineffective, applies public engagement for the two plans to reasonable cost to 180,000 Marin residents small amounts of conventional chemical reach this stage. MCOSD initiated its plan The inclusion of an herbicide alternative herbicides, whereas MMWD has eliminated in 2008. Staff and consultants surveyed was met by protest, and work on the EIR this option. the trends and current practices of a doz- was suspended. en land management agencies around the Weeds on MMWD Bay Area. They inventoried sensitive plant In recent months, with little public no- resources on 16,000 acres in 34 open space tice, the MMWD Board voted to abandon lands are expanding preserves that range widely in size,and laid herbicides from further consideration. The The impacts of MMWD's decision to elim- out a framework for managing them. "Biodiversity, Fire,and Fuels Integrated Plan inate herbicides on staff,budget,and long- After the preliminary draft "Vegetation (BFF(P), issued on September 15, spells out term effectiveness have been substan-ram a detailed 5-year work plan and estimated tial. MMWD's Natural Resource Pro and Biodiversity Management Plan"(VBMP) 9 was rejected in 2013 by fire agencies criti- costs to fulfill three basic goals: minimize Manager Janet Klein recently summarized risk from wildfire,preserve and enhance ex- lessons learned from 10 years of Zero-use cal of approaches to managing fuel breaks, MCOSD staff revised the Plan and prepared proistvide significant biological resources, and i p p provide an adaptive framework for review Continued on page it PAGE 10 p 1u November—December 2016 TWO p I a n S from page 10 Marin Conservation League Business Member Profile vegetation management for Marin Coun- ty'sParks and Open Space Commission. David J. Weinsoff, Esq. Weed concentrations are expanding, she said. Broom infestations have expanded When their San Francisco loft got from 600 acres in 1995 to almost 1,600 crowded with their newborn son, I � ' acres (or 1,600 football fields, without endf' David Weinsoff moved with his zones). "MMWD has not yet discovered family to Fairfax in 1996, where he how to control weeds without herbicides," established his environmental law Klein admitted; "it has simply moved the practice and his wife, Idle,went to y' goalposts down the field." work at the Ross Elementary School. In the two decades since, David has „ MCL supports the County's managed to meld his law practice sg well-considered approach with local government leader- FF in the Vegetation and ship,environmental advocacy, and Biodiversity Management Plan. non-profit volunteerism.Appointed k• to the Town's Planning Commission, fFs ' The District's BFFIP, therefore, is not a he met then-MCL Board Member "How-to" manual for managing an herbi- Peri Ann Wood (wife of then Fairfax Gide-free landscape, but rather a realistic Mayor and current MCL Board Mem- assessment and a "best effort" to cope us- ber, Doug Wilson).She encouraged who left after high school to play his ing available tools strategically. MMWD's him to participate in MCL. His inter- violin and study at the Sorbonne. Plan lays out a set of 5-year performance est led to joining MCL's board, where measures premised on adding $400,0001 he served from 1998 into 2005.The David currently serves on the Board year to reach the $3,000,OOOlyr commit- MCL board,then as now,was made of the Environmental Action Com- ment for Year 5 and annually thereafter, up of environmental activists,and mittee of West Marin and is a third- With this work plan and budget, Klein be- David felt fortunate to learn from term member of the Fairfax Council. lieves staff can control, but not eradicate, Jean Berensmeier, Nona Dennis, He sees his legal work,town council roughly 1,400 acres of weeds on Mt Tam Jana Haehl,Susan Stompe, and Jean service, and non-profit board partic- without herbicides. Starkweather, among others. In ipation as being interrelated, provid- The County's VBMP differs from the 2005, he transitioned to MCCs legal ing the opportunity to understand MMWD plan in another important respect counsel until his election to the Fair- diverse environmental perspectives Unlike MMWD's specific 5-year work plan, fax Town Council later that year. Da- throughout our county. the VBMP is a long-term framework for vid continues to be a MCL Business g Member and attends MCL events. David and Idle footprint. a low-key monitoring each preserve and, year-by- environmental footprint.They in- year and case-by-case, planning projects As an environmental attorney rep- stalled roof-top solar panels in the and determining appropriate treatments, resenting public interest groups in 1990s, and both their commutes tools and best practices. Treatments may matters involving the Federal Clean are local- David's home office is 30 or may not include environmentally safe Water Act,the Federal Safe Drinking inches from the bedroom! David use of herbicides, but the option is avail- Water Act, the California Coastal has a special fondness for bees,and able. The County's long-term goal in each Act and other environmental laws, apprenticed with an accomplished of the preserves is to gradually reduce,even David needs to stay informed on beekeeper in early 2000. He believes eliminate, the need for herbicides, but this environmental issues. He trusts MCL that bee keeping, like bird watching, will take time. MCL supports the County's to monitor and report issues with turns environmental protection into well-considered approach in the VBMP. the environmental perspective he a very personal relationship. MCL is shares. He considers the MCL news- glad to have David Weinsoff as can- letter to be a "must-read," noting tributorto MCL, an environmental that"cover-to-cover review is critical watchdog, and a Marin County res- to anyone interested in environmen- ident with a passion for nature and tal issues in the county."We spoke public service. to David after his recent return from Paris,where he visited his son Jake, PAGE 11 AAe r�T MARIN CONSERVATION LEAGUE LV�1�1 r [San Non-Prof[ rganization BOARD OFDIRECTORS O CONSERVATION OPOSTAGEPAID Officers CE ermit No.151 Kate Powers,San Rafael,President NEWS � �'\ LEAGUE Rafael,CA Nona_.Dennis,Mill Valley, t"Vice,President Ann Thomas,Corte Madera,2n Vice President Larry Minikes;San Rafael,Secretary 175 N. Redwood Dr.,Ste. 135 Kenneth Drexler,Fairfax,Treasurer San Rofoel, CA 94903 Directors Heather Furmidge,Pt.Reyes Station RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Sally Gale,Petaluma Doug Karpa,Mill Valley David Lewis,Novato Ralph Mihan,Sart Rafael Bob Miller,San Rafael Pat Nelson,San Rafael ******"*********AUT0**5-DIGIT 94920 Vicki Nichols,Sausalito Ms. Peggy Curran Linda Novy,Fairfax Tiburon Town Manager Pamela:Reaves,San Rafael 1505 Tiburon Blvd 17337718 Susan Stompe,Novato Tiburon CA 94920-2530 Judy Teichman,Pt.Reyes Station Arlin Weinberger,San Rafael 1"1�'III'II"lil"Illill"II'Illllllii"Illi'llll'I'I'I'lllllui Doug Wilson,Mill Valley -Greg Zitney,Novato Board of Directors meetings are held at 7,00. w on the 3"Tuesday of the month at the MCL office and are open to the public Staff Shannon Doherty;Operations Admin. Kirsten Nolan,Communications Cooed. Contact Information 175 N.Redwood.Dr;Ste. 135 L San Rafael CA 94903 1415.485.6257 1 C S ��/ / LeoY a party! www.marincon3ervationleague.org mcl@marinconservationleague.org Issue CommitteeMeeting-Schedule (subject to change check website). Land Use and Transportation: Marin Conservation League's 1"Wed.of the month,9:00 AM—Noon _ - PorksandOpenSpoce 2016 Holiday Celebration 241Thurs.of the month.3:00-5:00 PM" - InvosivePlantSubcommitteeofPOS: %k ' 3"Wed:.of the month,3:00-5:00 Pm _ Friday, December 2, 4:00 -7:00 pm Climate Action Working Group.,3itl Fri.of the month,9:00 AM-;2:00 PM M 175 N. Redwood Drive, San Rafael Agricultural Land Use:meets quarterly,- Water uarterly,Water and Watersheds,North Marin Unit. Check website for times and locations 7 Please join us!RSVP by November 29th to Marin Conservation League was founded in • mclholiday2016.eventbrite.com or 415-485-6257. 1934 to preserve,protect and enhance Marin- This_ This is a free event for members, theirfamily and guests. County's natural assets.MCL is a non-profit 7 • - 501(c]3 organization. All contributions and memberships are tax-deductible to the extent Help the hungry! MCL will be accepting allowed by law. r Editor.,Nona Dennis - 6 . - donations of food or cash to benefit the Design and Production:Dru Porker. .' - Q SF-Marin Food Bank at this event. Printed in San Ra(oel on ntiydedpaper i Visit sfmfoodbank.org for a list Please share and recycle. _ p, of most-needed items. EarthShare A� ��A� PAGE 12 �/ 1111012016 Belvedere,CA-Official Website DIGEST Home > Archive Center View Other Items in this Archive I View All Archives I Printable Version AGENDA - REGULAR MEETING BELVEDERE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 14, 2016, 6:30 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers 450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere, California COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC The public will be given an opportunity speak on each agenda item when it is called. Upon being recognized by the 1/avor,please state your name and address, and limit your oral statement to no more than three minutes. The Council welcomes comments and questions raised by interested citizens but typically does not respond during the comment period 6:30 PM CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. Interview applicant for open position on the Belvedere-Tiburon Library Asti [Board. OPEN FORUM This is an opportunity,for any citizen to briefly address the City Council on any matter that does not appear in this agenda. Upon being recognized by the Mayor,please stale your name, address, and limit you•oral statement to no more than three minutes. Matters that appear to warrant a mare lengthy presentation at- Council rCouncil consideration will be agendized for•furlher discussion at a later meeting. 11 REPORTS & PRESENTATIONS 2. City Council Reports. 3. City Manager Reports. 11 CONSENT CALENDAR The Consent Calendar consists of items that the City Council considers to be non-controversial. Unless any item is•specifically removed by any member of'the City Council, staff, or audience, the Consent Calendar will be adopted by one motion. Items removed will be considered in the sequence cis they appear below. If any member of the audience wishes to have an item removed,please step to the microphone, state your name, and indicate the item. 4. Approve minutes of the Octobcr 10. 3016. regular City Council mectinag. 5. Approve warrants of October 2016. 6. Approve resolution directing City Managerto execute a grant agreement with thc. Calirornia State Department orW\tater RCSOwres tier the Belvedere Lagoon Coastal levee System 1A tluUtion hftp.iMry .cityofbeivedere.org/Archive.aspx?AMID=44&Type=Recent&PREVIEW=YES 1l3 111102016 belvedere,CA-Official Website 7. Approval of employment agreement with Beth A Pollard for Interim Cit' Manager Services 8. Approve revocable license for private improvements in the public right-of-way in front of 304 Golden Gate Avenue Property Owner: Robert and Jody Harris 9. .Approve revocable license for private improvements in the public right-of-way in front ol'432 Golden Gate Avenue Property Owner: Sakura Investments [ i C 10. Approve revocable license for private improvements in the public right-of-way in front of 19 Tamalpais Avenue Prosy Owner Min U. Yoon and Leslie M Kennedy, 11. Approve revocable license for private improvements in the public right-of-way in front of 17 Windward Road. Properly, Owner. Michele Marie I.epine Living Trust. 11 PUBLIC HEARINGS 12. Appeal of Planning Commission decision of October 18 2016 to aporove Design Review. Demolition Exception to total Floor Area and four Variance applications for a garage deck addition and addition to the existing residence at 2 Fern Avenue Appellant: Geoffrey Stra_ve 140 Bella Vista Avenue Property Owners: Gerry and Suzanne Morgan. Staff recommendation: That the City Council den • the and uphold the decision of the Plannin-r Commission. 11 OTHER SCHEDULED ITEMS 13. Introduction and first reading of an ordinance adopting by reference the latest editions of the Statc fire codes. Staff recommendation: Approve introduction of the ordinance. 14. Introduction and first reading of an ordinance adopting by reference the latest editions of the State construction codes. Staff recommendation: Approve introduction of the ordinance. 15. Review of"Stetson Engineers Inc.'s October 2016 hydraulic study of the Rock Hill Drainage G near San Rafael Avenue and Tiburon Boulevard. Staff recommendation: Direct staff to work with the Town of Tiburon and the property owner of 6 San Rafael Avenue to develop a r iect scope and cost sharing agreement for a permanent drainage solation with a 100-year flood capacity. 16. Review-current year strategy proposed for Richardson Bay Regional Agency(RBR 11 consider proposed budget amendment and provide direction to the City' representative Staff recommendation: Approve increased contribution to RBRA in FY2016/17: provide feedback to City representative (Vice Mayor Winter). 17. Consider changes to the Citv Tree Ordinance, Belvedere Municipal Code Chapter 8.28. Staff recommendation: Discuss the current ordinance and provide direction to stall'on changes. 18. Discussion on nett steps reoi-ding deer in Belvedere. Staff recommendation: Staf I seeks additional information as to what additional inlormation is needed or Questions answered on this topic and when the Council would like to schedule this matter for deliberation http:/An .cityofbeiveclere.org/Archive.aspx?AMID=44&Typ�Recent&PRE\AEW=YES 213. 11/1012016 Belvedere,CA-Official Website and action. 19. Consider appointment to the Belvedere-Tiburon Library Agency Board Staff recommendation: Discuss applicant and make an appointment. ADJOURN NOTICE: WHERE TO VIEW AGENDA MATERIALS Staff reports and other materials distributed to the City Council are available for public inspection at the following locations: > Belvedere City Hall, 450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere. (Materials distributed to the City Council after the agenda packet is published are available for public inspection at this location only.) > Belvedere-Tiburon Library, 1501 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon. To request automatic mailing of agenda materials, please contact the City Clerk at 415/435-8913. NOTICE: AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT The following accommodations will be provided upon request to persons with a disability; agendas and/or agenda packet materials in alternate formats and special assistance needed to attend or participate in this meeting. Please make your request at the Office of the City Clerk or by calling 415/435-3838. Whenever possible, please make your request four working days in advance. http:/Mn .cityofbelvedere.aglArchive.aspx?AMID=44&Typ�Recent&PREVIEW=YES 313 DIGEST SANITARY DISTRICT NO. 5 OF MARIN COUNTY 2001 Paradise Drive Tiburon, California 94920 AGENDA Finance & Fiscal Oversight Committee Special Meeting Tuesday, November 15th, 2016, 10:00 a.m. 1. Roll Call 11. Public Comments III. New Business 1. Warrants for October 14" through November 15th, 2016 2. Financial Reports for October, 2016 3. Review & Approve Final Draft of Finance Policy & Procedures Manual 4. Revisit Draft Reserve Policy 5. Review & Discuss Payment Options re Ca1PERS' FY2015-2016 Actuarial Valuation Reports for Classic & PEPRA Miscellaneous Members 6. Confirmation of Axiom Consulting Group for Document Scanning & Archiving, Under the Direction of District Manager 7. Upcoming District Obligations for November—December, 2016 IV. Adjournment This Committee may be attended by Board 1lembers who do not semv on this committee. In the event that a quorum of the entire Board is present. this Connninee.shall act as a Committee of the Whole. In either case,any item acted upon by the Committee or the Committee of the Whole will require consideration and action by the fidl Board of Directors as a prerequisite to its legal enactment. Accessible public meetines: Upon request, the District will provide written agenda materials in appropriate alternate fornots, or disabilft),related modification or accommodation, including anxiliary aids or services, to enable individual with disabilities to participate in public meetings. Requests are to be.snbnrined in writing to the Administrative/Finance Specialist at Post Ofrce Box 217, Tiburon CA 91910 or rdohrmmnn sani5.org at least aro c/ryrzs prior to the meeting. T:\Board\CommiueesTinance Committee\Agendas\2016 I I 15 FinanceCommillee Agenda RD TR TM.doc