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Town Manager's Newsletter
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Saturday, December 17, 2022David P. Donery, Town Manager
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Council Member Ford Greene Recognized for 15 Years of Public Service At the Town Council meeting on Dec 13, 2022, outgoing Councilmember Ford Greene was recognized for his many years of public service to San Anselmo. At the meeting, Ford received recognition for all of his work on the behalf of San Anselmo from his fellow Councilmembers,Town staff and members of the public.
San Anselmo voters elected Ford to its Town Council four times, in 2007, 2011, 2015 and in 2019. He was selected as the Town’s Mayor three times. Ford has spent the past 15 years working to keep San Anselmo a great place to live, work and visit. Over the years, Ford has represented the Town on many local and regional boards, committees and commissions including; the Transportation Authority of Marin Board of Commissioners, MCE Clean Energy Board of Directors, Marin County Flood Control District Flood Zone 9 Advisory Board, Marin Telecommunications Agency JPA Board of Directors, MCCMC Sea Level Rise Committee, MCCMC Disaster Preparedness Committee, Ross Valley Fire Board, Central Marin Police Authority Police Council, San Anselmo Flood Committee, San Anselmo Financial Advisory Committee, and the San Anselmo Refuse and Recycling Subcommittee. Ford grew up in next-door Ross (where Natalie Coffin Greene Park at Phoenix Lake is named for his grandmother), and is a fourth generation Ross Valley native. Thank you, Ford, for everything you've done for our community.
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WELCOME 2023 Mayor Steve Burdo & Vice Mayor Eileen Burke
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On Tuesday evening, the Town Council appointed Councilmember Steve Burdo as San Anselmo Mayor and Councilmember Eileen Burke as Vice Mayor for 2023. Congratulations Steve and Eileen!
Also at Tuesday's meeting, the Council recognized Councilmember Alexis Fineman for her service to the Town as Mayor for 2022. Thank you Alexis! In addition, Steve Burdo was sworn in for a new four-year term as was newly elected Town Treasurer John Mahl. John is a San Anselmo native. Newly elected Town Councilmember Tarrell Kullaway and Town Clerk Cecily Wilson were unable to attend and will be sworn in at the next Town Council meeting on January 10, 2023
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Recap of this Week's Town Council Meeting
The Town Council discussed the following items at their Council meeting on December 13, 2022: Open space Bald Hill acquisition - special presentation
Council Items:- Recognized Wayne Cooper for many years of volunteer service to Central Marin Police Department
- Recognized the service of outgoing Mayor, Alexis Fineman
- Recognized the service of outgoing Councilmember, Ford Greene
- Oath of Office for newly elected:
Town Councilmember, Steve Burdo Town Treasurer, John Mahl - Reorganization of Town Council: Elect Mayor & Vice Mayor to one-year terms
The full agenda and further information can be found on the Town website: HERE You can also add your email to receive notifications and agendas for the Town Council or any other Town public meetings: HERE
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FREE HOLIDAY PARKING IN SAN ANSELMO
Each year, the Town of San Anselmo offers free holiday parking beginning on Thanksgiving and running through New Year's Day. This year you can enjoy free parking, as you shop and dine locally, from November 23, 2022 - January 2, 2023!
Please note: Time limits for all metered and non-metered parking spots will continue to be enforced.
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Holiday Hiatus: Town Overnight Parking Ordinance
In addition to the free parking, enforcement of the Town's Overnight Parking Ordinance will be suspended through January 2, 2023 to allow for holiday visitor parking. Be sure to leave a minimum of 12 feet of clearance, as emergency vehicle access rules will continue to be enforced.
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Christmas Tree Recycling
If you have a live tree and are looking to have it composted after the holidays:Click here for a list of 2022-23 curbside collection and drop-off options in Marin.
To prepare your tree for both curbside collection and drop-off:• Remove all tree stands (metal, plastic, wood), ornaments, lights, tinsel, etc. • Flocked trees will not be accepted, and must go to landfill. Fees may apply. • Apartment building tenants should contact their manager and request that they set up one day for holiday tree collection at the property.
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Holiday Schedule Information: Permits Counter, Building Inspections & Work in the Public Right-of-Way
Permits Counter Holiday Hours & Information:The San Anselmo public counter is now closed from December 16, 2022 through January 2, 2023. After that, the public counter will be open Mondays - Thursdays, 8:30am - 12:00 noon. Please visit the Permit Center webpage for updated information.
Building Inspections Holiday Schedule: No inspections will be scheduled between December 23 - 26, 2022 and between December 30 - January 2, 2023.
Work in the Public Right-of-Way:No work in the Public Right of Way is allowed from December 23, 2022 through January 2, 2023. No work within the ROW of the business districts (Downtown San Anselmo, Greenfield Ave, and Downtown Sir Francis Drake Blvd) is allowed from November 28, 2022 through January 2, 2023. If there is an emergency, please call 911.
Have a happy and safe holiday season!
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Building Standards Codes are changing on January 1, 2023
The 2022 California Building Standards Code will be adopted on January 1, 2023. Any permits submitted on or after this date shall comply with the new code cycle.
All new permit applications had to be submitted through eTrakit, and plan check fees paid (if applicable) by 12/16/2022 in order to be added to the plan check queue before 1/03/2023.
No permit reviews will be completed from 12/16/2022 through 1/03/2023
Please visit the Permit Center webpage for updated information..
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Housing Element Update
On December 12, 2022, the Public Review Draft of the Housing Element was made available on the Housing Element Update webpage. Hard copies of the document are also available at the San Anselmo Library. For 30 days, beginning December 12, 2022 through January 10, 2023, the Town will be accepting public comment on the Public Review Draft.
Public comment will be accepted as follows:
Submit written comments to the: Housing Element Public Comment Portal. Attend a Public Meeting and provide verbal comments: - December 19, 2022 Planning Commission meeting at 7:00 PM. The Planning Commission will be conducting a public meeting to review the Draft Housing Element and provide comments and recommendations to the Town Council.
- January 10, 2023 Town Council meeting at 7:00 PM. The Town Council will conduct a public meeting to review the Draft Housing Element, consider the HEAC, Planning Commission, and public comments to date, and direct the Town staff to finalize the Draft Housing Element for submission to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for a 90-day review.
Email comments to: hscoble@townofsananselmo.org This is an opportunity to review and provide feedback on how San Anselmo is planning for housing consistent with HCD’s requirements. Information on the Housing Element Update can be found at the Town’s Housing Element Update webpage, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions that has been developed to address questions and provide information about the Town’s 2023-2031 Housing Element Update. The Housing Element is required by state law to be updated every eight years.
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Town Seeking Community Applicants for Mosquito Abatement District Board of Trustees Seat
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The Board seat representing San Anselmo on the Mosquito Abatement District Board of Trustees is vacant
The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District is governed by a Board of Trustees. Each member represents his or her city of residence or a county at large - there is one representing each of the 20 cities located within the district's service area, and four (two for each county) selected by the county Board of Supervisors to represent the unincorporated and newly annexed portions of the district.
Trustees are appointed by their town/city council or county board of supervisors and serve a two or four year term.
Members of the Board of Trustees serve without compensation, but are provided with an allowance to defray expenses while on official business (not to exceed $100 per month) in accordance with the California Health and Safety Code Section 2030(b).
Regular Board meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the second Wednesday of each month at District Headquarters, 595 Helman Lane, Cotati. From time to time the regular monthly meeting may be canceled. Special Meetings are held occasionally and noticed in accordance with the Brown Act.
If you are interested, we encourage you to submit a completed application and you will be scheduled for an interview with Town Council. Positions will remain open until filled by Town Council. To submit an application:Apply Here You can find more details HERE
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Residents of San Anselmo, you're invited to join us at the Fairfax Library to learn about Preparing for Emergencies, Climate Resiliency, and Marin County's Age-Friendly initiatives! For additional details and to register, please visit our Event Page. If you have any questions, please contact Miranda Miller, mmiller@rossvalleyfire.org
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TOWN BOOKS HOLIDAY UPDATE OPEN: Wed - Sat 10:00am - 4:00pm Also: SUNDAY Dec 18: 10:00am - 4:00pm TOWN BOOKS is filled with books of most genres, audio books, CDs, and DVDs. Also come celebrate the Cedars and shop for the holidays with a visit to the store! Cedars has been inspiring creative, productive, joyous, and healthy lives for individuals with developmental disabilities for over 100 years. Cedars participants are artists, weavers, Co-op owners, chefs, volunteers, and community members. During December, mixed media artwork by these talented Cedars artists will be on display and offered for sale. And we always have gift certificates. We hope you'll stop in to fill your gift list. Remember, proceeds from the store go to your San Anselmo Public Library. Happy Holidays to you all!
Note: We will be closed on December 24 and 30, 2022.
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Free - Hot Water Heater Assessment & Heat Pump Water Heater Info Heat pump water heaters are a climate-friendly alternative to gas water heaters. But most gas water heaters are replaced when they fail, with another gas one, locking in years of greenhouse gas emissions. Getting a free assessment is a great first step to be ready to replace your gas water heater. Sign up to get a free assessment of your hot water heater as part of a new San Anselmo and Fairfax pilot program with Ready-Set-Replace.
For more information, please: CLICK HERE.
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Landscape Equipment Ordinance and Leaf Blower Rebate Program San Anselmo has passed an ordinance that will prohibit the use of gas-powered landscape equipment starting June 1, 2023 for residents, and January 1, 2024 for commercial landscapers. The ordinance will help reduce the Town’s greenhouse gas emissions and protect the health and safety of residents and equipment operators by reducing hazardous air pollutants emitted during the use of gas-powered landscape equipment. Further details about the ordinance and upcoming launch of the landscape equipment trade-in and rebate program will be made available on the Town website.
In the meantime, if you haven’t already made the switch to an electric leaf blower, now is your chance to get a 50% rebate (up to $150) off the purchase of a new electric leaf blower from Jackson’s Hardware located in San Rafael. To apply for the rebate, you’ll first need to go to the Leaf Blower Information page on the Town website to get instructions on dropping off your gas blower, and to download and complete the rebate application that provides further details about the program.
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Free Online Climate Action Workshops
Learn to Live Lightly on the Earth: In the online Climate Action Workshop offered by Resilient Neighborhoods, you will adopt an earth-sustaining lifestyle, create a low-impact home, and learn how to be resilient in our new ‘normal.’ Taking simple actions like trimming energy and waste, utilizing clean energy, conserving water, and making smarter transportation choices can save you money too. Help build a stronger and safer community. Free for Marin residents!
The next 5-session workshops start on Jan. 12 and Jan. 18, 2023 >>Learn More and Sign Up Here.
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Creek Park Plaza Update
Please click HERE for more information, including Updates and Frequently Asked Questions. Please note that Creek Park is still open: This includes the Redwood grove picnic tables, and the Amphitheater grass and stage area. The Town has moved some plaza picnic tables back to that area to provide more seating. You can access Creek Park via the pedestrian bridge from San Anselmo Avenue or from Center Avenue and Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
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Marin Master Gardener TipsPlan Your Fire-smart Landscape December 2022
Make a fire-smart plan. Consider existing plants, budget, and how much maintenance you are willing to do. Start by understanding the three defensible space zones. The idea is to decrease the energy and speed of a fire by eliminating continuous, dense vegetation vertically and horizontally. Defensible space allows a safer space to defend property. Plant spacing and maintenance is key. - Zone 0: 0 to 5 feet from the house. This is the most critical area. Minimize combustible materials and separate plants with non-combustible materials (concrete, brick, rocks, decomposed granite, gravel). Eliminate combustible plants and mulch within 5’ of structures, especially under windows.
- Zone 1: 5 to 30 feet from the house. Separate plantings and garden beds with hardscape and provide ample plant spacing to slow the spread of flames. Select plants that are easy to maintain that do not produce excessive debris or contain volatile oils.
- Zone 2: 30 to 100 feet from the house. Here, you can use larger shrubs and trees planted in widely spaced groups or “islands.” Consider the mature size of plants and shrubs to maintain spaces.
For More Fire-Smart Landscaping Information visit the U.C. MARIN MASTER GARDENER website: HERE
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Fire Safe Marin - Winter Message Many people think that winter rainfall can help predict how severe wildfire season will be. That’s not true. Be prepared for wildfires by using wintertime to do the work to protect your home. Video: https://youtu.be/vYZaPk7JINo Learn more at www.firesafemarin.org En Español Muchas personas piensan que las lluvias durante el invierno pueden ayudar a predecir qué tan severa será la temporada de incendios forestales. Eso no es cierto. Durante el invierno, prepárate para los incendios forestales por hacer el trabajo que protegerá tu hogar. Visite www.firesafemarin.org para obtener más información. Vídeo: https://youtu.be/IT0TYfdke4w Página web para más recursos en español
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Town Seeking Community Applicants for Boards, Committees and Commissions
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There are open seats on the Town's community volunteer Boards, Committees and Commissions.
San Anselmo's Boards,Committees and Commissions provide a vital link between Town government and the community for gathering public input, reviewing projects and making recommendations on key issues. If you are interested, we encourage you to submit a completed application and you will be scheduled for an interview with Town Council. Positions will remain open until filled by Town Council.
To submit an application: Apply Here For Youth Information & Application: Apply Here
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