Friday, October 11, 2019
David P. Donery, Town Manager

Council Decisions

At their meeting on October 8th the Town Council decided:

Voted to join the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority JPA on the condition that the term of the tax be changed from "until repealed by voters" to a ten-year term.

Continued the decision to change the Council meeting times to begin at 6:30 pm instead of 7 pm until after the election and new members had been installed.

Approved the first reading of an ordinance imposing flood gate requirements for business owners.

The video and full agenda is available at:
https://www.townofsananselmo.org/779/Town-Council-Meeting-Packets

Questions and Answers -
Memorial Park Plan

Staff has received multiple inquiries about the Memorial Park Master Plan, specifically questions regarding the plan for Millennium Playground and about the rules around dogs in the park.

Playground: Millennium Playground, which was conceived and built by San Anselmo residents, is in need of restoration, as noted in a staff report dated October 24, 2017:

"If the Memorial Park Master Plan is approved, and funding becomes available, there will be another, very intensive public process to decide what the community would like to see in an upgraded playground. The plan defines only where it would be. A refreshed design has the opportunity to be more inclusive by using accessible design features. Furthermore, the most beloved design components of the playground, such as the dinosaur and the climbing wall, could be reused. The community could choose to use the same design or let this generation of children design the next playground." (https://sananselmo-ca.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=1&clip_id=258&meta_id=39455).

As part of this process, every effort will be made to retain as much of the existing playground as is safely possible.

Park Rules - Dogs: There is no plan to amend the existing dog access rules at Memorial Park. The current rules allow for off-leash dogs in the park Monday through Friday before 8:00am and one hour before sunset, and before 9:00am on Saturday and Sunday and one hour before sunset. Dogs are allowed to be in the park on-leash during the remaining hours that the park is open each day.

Goblins’ SPOOKtacular

Looking for some wickedly awesome small town Halloween fun?

The Goblins’ Spooktacular will take place Wednesday, October 30th at 5:00 p.m. on San Anselmo Avenue in spooky downtown San Anselmo.

Dress in your most boo-tiful Halloween costume and join us for some traditional small town fun. This event is for those 0-7 years old! Merchants and volunteers will be standing along San Anselmo Avenue between Woodland and Tamalpais to hand out goodies. At the downtown fire station there will be cookies and juice! This is a fun, town-wide trick or treating event!

Historical Commission Spotlight

The San Anselmo Historical Commission was established in June 22, 1976 to preserve the history of San Anselmo and to make the Town’s historical heritage known to its present-day residents. The functions of the Commission include:

research and publication of aspects of San Anselmo history,
interview old-time residents and record their oral histories,
collect, identify, and catalog photographs and memorabilia,
design permanent and temporary displays for the Historical Museum,
manage the Historical Museum, and
advise Town Council and town departments on historical matters.

If you are interested in serving on the commission, it is composed of eleven members and meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm in the Historical Museum. There are two seats available and an application can be found here: http://www.townofsananselmo.org/175/Boards-Commissions

In addition, did you know that the San Anselmo Historical Museum has a website and Instagram account? The website http://sananselmohistory.org/ includes a history of San Anselmo, numerous pictures, a historical walking tour, oral histories and much more. The Historical Museum’s Instagram handle is sananselmohistory. Visiting the website and following the Historical Museum’s Instagram account are great ways to find out more about the history of San Anselmo.

The San Anselmo Historical Museum houses an ever-expanding collection of photos and memorabilia highlighting our Town’s history. The Museum offers historical records of the Town’s notable people, neighborhoods, businesses, celebrations and events.

A Timeline traces the history of the area, from the days of the Coast Miwok to the founding of San Francisco Theological Seminary and the glory days of the railroad – the industry that put our town on the map. Special displays of local historical interest are on view on a rotating basis.

Photographs are regularly on display, with copies available for purchase. Videos and oral histories are also available for viewing at the Museum. The Museum offers a Children’s Corner with crayons and San Anselmo-themed coloring books.

The Museum is open Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment.

Economic Development Committee presents Storytelling Marketing

Oct 24^th 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Whether you sell muffins or plumbing services, people don’t buy what you sell, they buy the story about how the purchase makes them happier or does good in the world. In this interactive workshop we will explore how to tell a story your customer wants to hear using both words and pictures.

Instructor Stephanie Koehler, Owner of SAKinterMedia has over 25 years of experience with marketing and promoting everything from musicians + movies to marketing organic salad + museums; leading multi-million fundraising campaigns; managing successful non-profits; and training the leaders of tomorrow – her experience is unparalleled. Having served as assistant to singer, Linda Ronstadt – she developed an expertise in personal branding as well as media and public relations on the local, national and international level. A writer, columnist and photographer, Stephanie is a regular contributor to newspapers and magazines nationwide.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/storytelling-marketing-tickets-74829778883
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA or Humboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Miriam Karell at 415-524-3560 or at miriam@marinsbdc.org.

Sustainability News

Check out the new website for Marin Climate Energy Partnership at www.marinclimate.org. Here you can find the latest Climate Goals and Track Sustainability for San Anselmo and neighboring Marin communities. You can even join a Resilient Neighborhoods Team.

It's Rewarding To Commute Green!

From October 7th – November 17th, 2019 you can win prizes when you log your green commute trips on Marin Commutes. Easily log trips, including bus and train rides, biking, walking, carpooling, and riding the ferry, and you'll be automatically entered to win weekly prizes. Top performers compete for $250 gift cards. Commuters have a chance to compete to see who can log the most trips and reduce the most emissions. It's a win-win for participants and Marin County commuters as Marin gets on the road to cleaner air and less traffic congestion. Here's what you need to know:

Create/Sign-in to your account here.
Enter your trips!
Prizes are awarded for the highest number of trips and the highest emissions savings.

People that use commute alternatives have been shown in studies to arrive to work less stressed, to take fewer sick days, and to experience higher job satisfaction than those driving alone every day and fighting traffic. Encouraging the use of commute alternatives is a benefit for employees, employers and our community.

Marin Commutes is committed to increasing awareness of commute options and programs in Marin County, and encouraging people to give them a try. With TAM programs like the Emergency Ride Home Program, Discounted Lyft Shared Rides, and the Vanpool Incentive Program, most everyone should be able to find something that works for them. Whether it’s by bus, bike, train, ferry, sharing the ride, or using your own feet, there are lots of options for every type of commuter right here in Marin County.

It’s rewarding to commute green!

FireSafe Marin Workshop

There are two new FIRESafe MARIN workshops happening on November 19^th at the Embassy Suites in San Rafael that will focus on delivering the most up-to-date knowledge on hardening homes for wildfire. In partnership with CSAA Insurance Group (a AAA insurer), FIRESafe MARIN and lead instructor Dr. Steve Quarles will bring home-hardening concepts to both homeowners and building industry professionals. Each workshop is designed and taught by leading experts in the field of WILDFIRE, HOME-HARDENING and BUILDING SCIENCE and will include a live fire demonstration (fire resistant vs ordinary construction) and a “manufacturers showcase” displaying fire resistant building materials.

EVENT FLYER & REGISTRATION:

Wildfire Home Hardening Workshop for Building Professionals

11-19-2019 1:00 pm
Embassy Suites, San Rafael

Wildfire Home Hardening Workshop for Homeowners

11-19-2019 5:00 pm
Embassy Suites, San Rafael

*Workshop is FREE and donations welcome.
**Suggested $150 donation to table/vendor.
***Sponsorship opportunities are available. Inquire at jgauna@marincounty.org.

Any questions, please contact Jen Gauna at 415.473.6159

Fall Leaves

With fall here, the Public Works Department would like to remind all residents to keep curb areas free of leaves and other debris. It’s easy to get rid of once it’s picked up – our garbage company provides pickup of yard waste in cans or boxes for all customers.

Please don’t just rake leaves into your curb area, hoping that the street sweeper will come by and pick them up. The sweeper can’t cover the entire town, and leaves left in curb areas will clog drains quickly when winter rains arrive.

A link to the current street sweeping schedule is located here: http://www.townofsananselmo.org/index.aspx?nid=632

And, as a reminder, the Town has an ordinance that limits the use of motorized leaf blowers to Monday, Thursday and Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Residents, who pick up their leaves, keep an eye on neighborhood drains and clear clogs during storms will help to keep winter storm water flowing where it’s supposed to be.

Winter Preparedness

Winter is just around the corner and now is a good time to get prepared for winter storms. The Town website has a lot of good information about winter preparedness. Please visit the following link for this information: http://www.townofsananselmo.org/index.aspx?NID=776.

Here are some tips for getting your home ready for winter weather:

Check Your Furnace
If your home has a forced air heating system, have it inspected by a licensed heating contractor or by PG&E, which offers free furnace inspections and pilot relights to its customers. A thorough inspection will include checking for potentially hazardous conditions that can occur as heating equipment ages, as well as ensuring that the unit and ductwork are operating as efficiently as possible. The furnace filter should also be replaced at this time.

Dryer Ducts
This is also a good time to inspect and clean the clothes dryer duct of lint and other debris, which should be done at least once a year. A clean dryer duct will significantly reduce the risk of fire while decreasing the energy and time needed to dry your clothes.

Weather stripping
Inspecting and repairing the weather stripping on your doors and windows will ensure that the warm air inside stays inside as long as possible. Sealing cracks and crevices around the exterior walls and ceilings with caulk and/or spray foam sealant will also reduce heating bills by preventing heat loss to the exterior. For more information on ways to improve your homes energy efficiency contact a certified energy consultant or the San Anselmo Building Division.

Rain, Drains, and Gutters
Along with winter comes the rain, which means it's time to clean the roof gutters and ensure that they drain into an approved storm drainage system. We receive numerous calls from Town residents each year shortly after the first significant rains of the season concerning water runoff in places it shouldn't be. Besides the mess, sediment laden runoff water can cause damage to adjacent properties and to the environment. So please have your storm drains inspected by a landscape or plumbing contractor to ensure proper functioning.

If you currently have a renovation project underway that has affected the grade around your home, please call the Building Division (415-258-4616) as soon as possible and we will gladly assist you in complying with the Town's jobsite winterization requirements.

Overnight Parking

The San Anselmo Municipal Code prohibits overnight parking on the Town’s streets and roadways. The rule is that no person may park a vehicle on any street for a period of time longer than 30 minutes between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. of any day.

The overnight parking ordinance was enacted with considerable resident input to protect our citizens, as well as to maintain the aesthetics of the community. Many of our streets are very narrow and winding, and were not intended for current levels of traffic. The ordinance allows traffic to flow smoothly and helps to ensure clearance for emergency vehicles, such as fire engines, paramedics and police vehicles.

Another benefit of the overnight parking ordinance is crime prevention. Cars that do not belong in a particular area become more visible to our officers on patrol. This has netted the Police Department arrests of criminals who otherwise might have gone unnoticed parked amongst other vehicles.

Lastly, the overnight parking ordinance enhances the aesthetics of our community by keeping the streets uncluttered, helping to maintain home values and enhancing the quality of life for all those who live and traverse our Town.

If you have a friend or relative visiting for a week, or have a hardship situation, you can request a parking permit or exemption through the Central Marin Police Authority at our downtown station, 525 San Anselmo Avenue. For more information, go to http://ca-marinpolice.civicplus.com/153/Forms

MOVIES IN CREEK PARK: NEW START TIME
6:30 Seating, 7:15 Trivia & Raffle
7:30 Movies Start Time (September 2019)

The San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce is bringing back the popular Movies in Creek Park event series. The movies will run in Creek Park on Saturday Nights. Movies begin when it becomes dark enough and will generally run two hours. The films are generally acceptable for all audiences, but parental guidance and child supervision is always recommended. To view the list of films, CLICK HERE.

Film genres will include Action, Animation, SciFi, Classics, Comedies and Feel-good Favorites. The 2019 season movies were selected from an exhaustive list of requests from members of the community, merchants and business owners, then cross-referenced and licensed by the Motion Picture Association for public viewing. Many "favorites" are not available due to licensing restrictions and "black-out" periods by motion picture studios.

For complete information, visit https://www.moviesincreekpark.com

Upcoming Library Events

** Tunstead Live
Wine Through the Ages: From Grape to Your Table
Friday, October 11
7:30pm, Library Reading Room
Wine has been part of human civilization for thousands of years, but most people do not know how intertwined it has been with the history of the planet. Discover how wine has influenced our world, even here in Marin County, with guest speaker David Sandri. Doors open at 7pm for a wine reception.

** Avoiding Scams, Fraud, and Identity Theft
Monday, October 14
6:30pm, Library Reading Room
The Marin Financial Abuse Specialist Team (F.A.S.T.) will enlighten and educate on how to protect older adults against common financial scams. In Marin County alone, financial abuse cases make up 32% of all referrals to Adult Protective Services. Nationwide, it’s estimated that only 1 in 10 cases is reported. Robert Robinson and Valerie Lels, members of the Marin County F.A.S.T., will discuss the major scams and tips for helping yourself and loved ones.

Pumpkin Painting Party!
Monday, October 21
4pm, Historical Museum
Fun for all ages! Come, get creative, and turn a pumpkin into a masterpiece. Pumpkins and a variety of art supplies will be provided. Sign up at the Reference Desk, call 415-258-4656, or email library@townofsananselmo.org. For ages 4-104!

** Sketchbook Drawing Workshop: Faces and Light

Saturday, October 19
11am, Council Chambers
Spend an hour with your sketchbook, drawing faces, heads, shapes, and more with professional artist and teacher Janet Jacobs. In this workshop, you’ll look at the many shapes involved in drawing both a full head as well as a face. Work with light and dark to better see and draw dimensionality. All materials will be provided. Sign up in the library, call 415-258-4656, or email library@townofsananselmo.org to reserve your spot.

Take a Stroll Through San Anselmo's History

Travel back in time with the Historical Commission on docent-led strolls through Downtown San Anselmo.

The tour will highlight San Anselmo’s historic Hub, the role of the railroad in the development of town and the changing character of the businesses and architecture on San Anselmo Avenue. Meet at Creek Park and stroll along San Anselmo Avenue. The tour will end at the Historical Museum for light refreshments.

The remaining date is October 26. Meet at Creek Park at 9:00 a.m.

RSVP at strollsananselmo.eventbrite.com or email stroll@sananselmohistory.org
Both tours are free.

Boards and Commission Seats Available

Arts Commission – The Commission provides a structure to facilitate the creation of art in all disciplines in the community, promoting and exhibiting art and cultural works produced by Ross Valley artists, and promoting art education in the community and schools. The Commission consists of nine members and meets on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Historical Museum. There are two seats available. Persons from the Ross Valley are encouraged to apply.

Capital Program Monitoring Committee – The purpose of the committee is to monitor the implementation of the Town’s capital improvement program, funded by the voter-approved Measure D one-half cent sales tax funds, as well as grant funding, Road Maintenance Fund monies, and General Fund monies. The committee’s charge is to issue an annual public report summarizing the progress of capital improvement projects funded by Measure D, as well as capital improvement projects funded by other sources of Town funding. The committee consists of seven members, representing a wide variety of the community, with a range of skills, knowledge and experience in the following areas:

•          Finance (preferably public finance)
•          Engineering and/or construction
•          Public relations and communication
•          Familiarity with various aspects of the San Anselmo Community

Two Councilmembers and two designated Town staff liaisons will serve in an advisory capacity only. The Committee will meet as needed to review projects. There is one seat available.

Economic Development Committee - The Committee’s charge is to work with local businesses and the community at large toward a vibrant and successful local economy that meets the needs of the residents and visitors of San Anselmo. The Committee has seven members and meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 8:45 a.m. in the Town Council Chambers. There is one seat available.

Historical Commission – The Commission was created to preserve the history of San Anselmo by means of research and the collection and organization of information, photographs and artifacts concerning the Town’s development. The Commission consists of eleven members, including one youth member and meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesdays of the month in the Historical Museum, located on the first floor of the Library. There are two seats available.

Library Parcel Tax Oversight Committee - The purpose of the oversight committee is to ensure transparency and accountability to the voters by reviewing the collection and expenditure of Library tax revenues. The group meets twice a year to review the library budget. There are two seats available.

Parks & Recreation Commission – The Commission advises the Council and the Parks & Recreation staff on the planning of the recreation activities, the development of Town parks and management of public lands. The Commission consists of seven members, including one youth member and meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. There are two seats available.

Tax Equity Board – The Board is charged with hearing applications for tax rebate from San Anselmo property owners claiming inability to pay the Town’s Municipal Services Tax and Pension Override Tax. The Board consists of three members and meets once a year in the spring. There is one seat available.

To apply, please go here: http://www.townofsananselmo.org/175/Boards-Commissions

Upcoming Public Meetings

Wednesday, October 16 - Open Space 7:30 pm, Council Chambers
Wednesday, October 16 - Historical Commission 7:30 pm, Historical Museum

Friday, October 11, 2019David P. Donery, Town Manager