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Town Manager's Newsletter
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Saturday, March 25, 2023
David P. Donery, Town Manager
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E-bike Use in Memorial ParkThe Town has received numerous complaints from community members using Memorial Park for recreational activities who have felt unsafe and witnessed reckless behavior by large groups of teenagers and pre-teenagers on electric bikes (e-bikes). The youth have reportedly been racing through crowds of people at high speeds. Last weekend was opening day for baseball and softball, with multiple games and a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the newly refurbished athletic fields. The festivities were marred by a senior citizen being knocked over by an e-bike rider and many other people feeling concerned for their safety because of the unruly use of e-bikes in the park. Due to this alarming uptick in risky and aggressive behavior by e-bike riders in Memorial Park resulting in safety issues and concerns, the Town has increased enforcement at the park. E-bikes are prohibited from being operated in Town parks. The Town had previously focused on deterring e-bike riders from riding on the newly refurbished playing fields, but due to the recent safety issues related to reckless e-bike use throughout Memorial Park, additional resources will be used on enforcement. Increased Enforcement
Memorial Park rules and regulations state that “No motorized vehicles are allowed” in the park. Failure to comply with this rule shall constitute an infraction, except that the fourth and any additional violations within one year shall constitute a misdemeanor. (SAMC § 11-1.02). An infraction may result in issuance of an Administrative Citation which carries fines beginning at $100 and increasing to $500 per violation as described in Town Resolution No. 4271. (SAMC § 1-6.01). Enforcement officers will contact a minor’s parent or guardian, who will ultimately be held responsible for the violation. E-bike riders may walk their bikes through Memorial Park on the paths. Non-motorized bicycles are allowed on the paths at a safe speed. No bikes are allowed on the grass fields at any time. The safety and welfare of our entire community is of utmost importance in all Town community public spaces. The Town will host a Community Forum to address these and other issues related to youth at Memorial Park. This forum will take place on Saturday, April 22 at 11:00AM in the Vista Room at the Isabel Cook Community Center at 1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. For more information about e-bike state, county and San Anselmo laws and regulations, please click: HERE Questions – please contact the Town's Community Engagement Coordinator at kwarner@townofsananselmo.org. |
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Town Council Meeting Agendafor March 28, 2023
7:00 pmThe Town Council will be discussing the following items at their next Council meeting on March 28, at 7:00 pm. Mayor's Proclamation Recognizing March as the American Red Cross Month. Council Agenda includes:
Consent Agenda: - Special Event Application: Friends of Robson Spring Fundraiser 2023 - May 7, 12:00-6:00pm
- Special Event Application: Chamber of Commerce’s Sip n’ Stroll Fundraiser 2023 - May 13, 4:00-7:00 pm
Council Items: - Receive presentation by the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District on the status of the San Anselmo Flood Risk Reduction (SAFRR) project.
- Receive introduction of an Ordinance Amending the Town’s Single-Use Foodware Regulations and Approve an Agreement with the County for Enforcement.
- Receive the 2023-2025 Work Plan Priorities Draft to review and provide Input at a Future Meeting.
- Consider options related to the interview and appointment processes for Town Boards, Committees and Commissions and provide direction to staff.
- Consider to reappoint (2) two incumbents to the Economic Development Committee and (1) one applicant to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
The full agenda and further information can be found on the Town website: HERE Please add your email to receive notifications and agendas for the Town Council meetings or any other Town public meetings: HERE
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Creek Park News:
County presentation at Town Council Meetingrescheduled for March 28
Representatives from the County's Flood Control and Water Conservation District were unable to present an update on the San Anselmo Flood Risk Reduction (SAFRR) project to Town Council at the meeting on Tuesday, March 14 due to illness. That presentation has now been rescheduled for the upcoming March 28 Town Council meeting. For more additional information regarding the closed Creek Park plaza, go to the Building Bridge #2/Creek Park Update page on the Town website, or click HERE For information about the Reimagine Creek Park project - please click: HERE
Please note that Creek Park is still open: This includes the Redwood grove picnic tables. You can access Creek Park via the pedestrian bridge from San Anselmo Avenue or from Center Avenue and Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Additionally, the Town has created a larger parklet with picnic tables in front of the closed plaza, along San Anselmo Avenue. Lights and umbrellas will also be installed soon.
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Town Council Discussion of County Foodware Ordinance
At the March 28, 2023 Town Council meeting, staff will present the first reading of a foodware ordinance modeled after the County’s foodware ordinance that was adopted last year. If adopted by the Town Council, the ordinance would replace the Town’s existing foodware ordinance and allow the County to handle the enforcement of the ordinance on behalf of the Town starting on November 10, 2023. The proposed ordinance covers all entities selling prepared food to the public in the Town including restaurants, grocery stores and delis, bakeries, carry-out, quick services, farmers markets, food trucks, and any other business that requires a health permit. For more information about the County’s foodware ordinance, please visit their: Reusable Foodware webpage.
The Town’s current foodware ordinance can also be accessed: Here.
For additional information visit the Single Use Foodware Regulations page: HERE
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Study Presentations:
The Hub Transportation Study was presented to the San Anselmo Planning Commission on March 6, 2023 and Town Council on March 14, 2023. At that meeting, Council gave direction to staff to pursue several alternatives.
Next Steps:
Staff will return to Council for approval of next steps for each potential alternative. Parisi will also present their findings to the TAM Board (who funded the study) and seek further funding for the next phases. For additional information about the Hub Study, visit the Town website page: HERE
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IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITY:There is an interim Youth Commissioner opening on the Arts Commission (serving April 1 - June 30, 2023). Please apply now. The seat will remain open until it is filled. For more information on Youth Commissioner program & the application: CLICK HERE
For more information on the Arts Commission: CLICK HERE |
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Elders' Garden Event:
Marin Master Gardeners Basic Pruning WorkshopSaturday, April 8, 10:00 - 11:30 AM (note later start time)Come and learn about the basics of pruning ornamental small trees and shrubs including: why we prune, the must-have tools, and the 3 basic cuts which are used. The workshop will start with a talk, followed by a demonstration. Participants will then have the opportunity to try out the 3 basic cuts themselves. Bring hand pruners if you have them. The workshop is a joint venture by members of the UC Marin Master Gardeners’ Pruning Guild and the Elders’ Garden, a mostly California native plant garden, which is owned by the Town of San Anselmo and was created 20 years ago by volunteers. Parking: Park in the lot behind Memorial Park, by the Log Cabin. Note: Rain will cancel the event
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Arts Commission featured in
The Richies 2023 videos by
Archie Williams High School students
On Friday, March 3, students from the ComAcad (Communications Academy) program at Archie Williams High School (AWHS) held a screening of videos they've created, each focused on a local non-profit. The event, called The Richies (short for Community Enrichment Rewards), takes place once a year.
AWHS students have worked hard communicating, filming, and editing these short videos for important organizations that bring peace and love to the community. The Arts Commission was honored to be among one of the organizations selected -- among such notables as Rancho Compasion, Marin Foster Care, and A Broader Living Experience. You can view the video on their YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/CzSfqtFdK24
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"Stroll Through San Anselmo’s History"
Walking Tours Return!
The Historical Commission is excited to again sponsor its popular free walking tour through downtown. Travel back in time with Dick Miner and other members of the commission to learn about San Anselmo’s historic Hub, the role the railroad played in the development of the Town, and the changing character of the businesses and architecture on San Anselmo Avenue. Tour dates for 2023: April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, and October 14.
Meet Dick at Creek Park at 9:00 a.m.
The tour ends at the Historical Museum for refreshments.
No reservations are required.
Questions? Please contact info@sananselmohistory.org.
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Spring into Reading: Adult Virtual Reading ChallengeMarch 6 -- April 30, 2023
Spring into reading with the San Anselmo Public Library! Log your reading on Beanstack and attend library programs throughout the challenge to earn a new set of colorful badges. Sign up on Beanstack and start reading today: https://townofsananselmo.beanstack.org/ Beanstack is an online and mobile app you can use to track your reading and participate in challenges and programs from your San Anselmo Public LIbrary. Earn spring-themed badges for logging your reading and completing activities. Sign up today at townofsananselmo.beanstack.org
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Violin and Cello Spring ConcertFriday, April 7 - 12:00pm noon
Library Reading Room
Spring is here! Join us for a violin and cello concert with the Forget-Me-Knots, Charmian Stewart and Amanda Craver. Everyone is welcome to attend! Can’t make the concert in-person? Click here to watch virtually on Zoom! .
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Marin Water
Wednesday, April 5 - 6pm
Library Reading Room
Join us for a presentation from Marin Water about their work to protect wildlife and our drinking water from the dangers of wildfires. Discover how Marin Water’s imperative forest restoration and vegetation management efforts in the Mt. Tam watershed are vital to Marin County.
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Pam Jenoff,
author of Code Name SapphireTuesday, March 28 at 4:00 pm
Join us for an exciting trip through time as we chat with New York Times bestselling historical fiction author Pam Jenoff about her newest book, Code Name Sapphire! Inspired by incredible true stories of courage and sacrifice, Code Name Sapphire is a powerful novel about love, family and the unshakable resilience of women in even the hardest of times. Register for this virtual author talk here: https://libraryc.org/sananselmolibrary/24846
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Town Books: Spring 1/2 Price Sale!March 22 - April 1 Wednesday-Saturday
10:00am - 4:00pm
CELEBRATE SPRING! Shop our store-wide sale!
You’ll have eight days to relax and browse our 4,000 gently-used books in a wide range of categories, CDs, DVDs, Audio books, and some rare and special books, too. Give yourself a spring treat, tell a teacher, or get a gift certificate for a friend or loved one. While you’re in the store, immerse yourself in the beauty of Marin through paintings by Connie Kirk, now on display and for sale, prices as marked.
TOWN BOOKS
411 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo
HOURS: Wednesday–Saturday, 10:00am–4:00pm
INFO: 415.526.3791 townbooks.org
Town Books is run by the Friends of the San Anselmo Library - all profits are donated to the San Anselmo Library.
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Free Hot Water Heater Assessment & Other Ways to Reduce Household Emissions
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 additional ways to reduce your household emissions, check out the Town’s new Green Building webpage.
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Landscape Equipment Ordinance and Leaf Blower Rebate Program
San Anselmo passed an ordinance that will prohibit the use of gas-powered landscape equipment as of June 1, 2023 for residents, and January 1, 2024 for commercial landscapers. 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.
To apply for the rebate, you’ll first need to go to the Landscape Equipment 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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The California Department of Housing & Community Development
Acknowledges Receipt of the Draft Housing Element
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has acknowledged the Town's submittal of the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element. It was sent to the HCD on January 26, 2023. For more information about the Housing Element and the next steps regarding the HCD staff review, please visit the Housing Element Update webpage on the Town website or click HERE Public comment continues to be vital to the process.
Please direct any comments or questions to:
Heidi Scoble, Planning Director hscoble@townofsananselmo.org
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Get PreparedMarch Wildfire Prevention Suggestions: Spring Cleaning
It may be raining but regardless of the winter storms, California always has dry summers and wildfire burns in dry periods. It’s time to prepare for wildfire season. Here are 3 ways to ready your yard: - Clean up any combustible materials within 5 ft of your home to help protect from burning embers.
- Cut annual grasses and weeds and do it again when they grow back.
- Trim shrubs, plants, and trees to create spacing and prevent the spread of fire
Adapting to wildfire requires ongoing maintenance. Learn more at: firesafemarin.org
Visite: www.firesafemarin.org para obtener más información
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Marin Master Gardener TipsPlan Your Fire-smart Landscape
March 2023
MARCH: Remove and replace invasive plants
- Remove invasive plants such as ivy, broom, and pampas grass that spread quickly, cause harm to the environment, add considerable fuel for fire and use precious water.
- Unfortunately, excessive clearing can create a vulnerable entry point for the plants we do not want.
- Pull weeds and invasive plants before they go to seed to keep them from spreading.
- Replace with California natives, pollinator or low water use plants keeping drought tolerance and biodiversity in mind.
- For persistent invasive plants, consider sheet mulching to help with weed suppression. Additional information on appropriate mulches and use can be found following the link below.
For More Fire-Smart Landscaping Information: Visit the U.C. MARIN MASTER GARDENER website: www.ucanr.edu/ucmarinmgfiresmart
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Please Support the Hanging Flower Baskets in
Downtown San AnselmoThis will be our 5th year of enhancing the Avenue with beautiful hanging flower baskets from May - October. The flower basket program is a volunteer effort and relies on donations from the Town, the merchants and the community. Each year these baskets draw such an overwhelmingly positive response that we are committed to keeping them going. We are especially grateful to have Ed Healy (aka "Indy") on our team to water the baskets every day. A special thank you to the Town of San Anselmo and the Chamber of Commerce for their support and donations. And also to the residents and merchants who have supported us for the past four years. We couldn't do it without you!
There are two ways you can contribute: - Donate by visiting the program’s: GO FUND ME PAGE or
- Mail a check payable to:
SA Friends of the Flower Baskets
P.O. Box 2844, San Anselmo, CA 94979
For more information about this project contact: Nancy Altman at nnaltman@me.com
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Town Seeking Community Applicantsfor
Boards, Committees and Commissions
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There are open seats on the Town's community volunteer
Boards, Committees and Commissions.
You can find more details here:
Boards/Committees/Commissions Information 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. |
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