TOWN OF SAN ANSELMO  TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES OF ANUARY11,2011  Present: Coleman, Greene, Kroot, McInerney, Thornton CALLTOORDER, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Absent: None  Mayor Greene called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m., welcomed all, and asked for a moment of silence to reflect on recent events in Tucson, giving particular thought to the importance of maintaining a calm, reasonable, rational approach to communicating with  those with whom one disagrees.  ANNOUNCE ACTIONTAKEN.IF. ANY.INCLOSED SESSION Greene advised that no action was taken in closed session.  RECOGNIZE SCOTT YOUNG, WINNER OF THE RECREATION Community Services Director David Donery presented a certificate of appreciation and a' gift certificate from the San Anselmo Recreation Department to Scott Young, winner of  DEPARTMENT TAGLINE CONTEST  the Recreation Department's Tagline contest. OPENTIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION  Helene Robertson, Austin Avenue, thanked Greene for speaking up at the meeting of the Board of Supervisors against SmartMeters. The board unanimously passed a moratorium on SmartMeters and their installation; further, to date, two cities and two counties have criminalized the installation of SmartMeters. Robertson added that a recent study in The Sage Report indicates that the meters are surpassing acceptable safety limits. Robertson has distributed copies of the report to Councilmembers and urged them to reconsider the  issue.  COUNCIL REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS  Councimember Kroot thanked Helene Robertson for attending the meeting and displayed acopy of a recent opinion page from the Marin IJ; the article describes the Board of Supervisors', one-year moratorium. Kroot added that Assemblyman Jared Huffman has introduced legislation to halt SmartMeters. Kroot proposed that Council take up  discussion of the issue once again. Greene supports Kroot's suggestion.  Councilmember Thornton checked with Jared Huffman's office. Huffman has asked the California Council on Science and Technology to perform a study of SmartMeters and  EMF safety; the study should be available shortly.    Minutes of the San Anselmo' Town Council  January 11,2011  Thornton advised that she is the Town's representative to the Marin Energy Authority and noted that the organization has had several enormous accomplishments recently. Interim MEA Director Dawn Weisz recently repaid the $540,000 loan received from Marin County for start-up costs, in addition to refinancing and repaying individuals who loaned funds as well. Thornton added that it has been less than a year since the MEA began offering services and believes it is remarkable that the agency has been able to secure 2.3 million dollars of start-up financing with banks. The MEA will have 2.5 Thornton noted that Weisz and MEA Board Chairman Charles McGlashan have been honored as Persons of the Year by the Power Association of Northern California. The MEA has received numerous requests from power providers seeking assistance in beginning Community Choice Aggregation. Thornton explained that CCA is the legislation that allows jurisdictions to aggregate the purchase power of customers to Greene applauded Thornton for her work on the MEA board during challenging times. Councimember McInerney recommends that when Council discusses and decides on appointments to commissions, in instances in which there are multiple candidates for one position, some discussion regarding the different candidates take place before an up or McInerney further advised that just before the Christmas holidays at least two incidents resulted in over 2.6 million gallons of raw sewage being dumped into the Ross Valley community and creek. Many questions remain unanswered and the EPA is apparently investigating the situation. McInerney's concern is that there was a breakdown in communication between the Sanitary District and the other relevant agencies and municipalities. To insure that this does not recur, McInerney suggests agendizing the issue. of coordination of the various entities for a future meeting and asking Greene thanked McInerney for bringing forward the matter of discussion before voting for commission appointees, adding that discussing the individual candidates leads to Greene also mentioned that hel has received comments from citizens who would like to be advised as to when street sweepers are expected in their neighborhoods. He suggested that a regular sweeping routine be established and a schedule provided to residents. Town Manager Stutsman asked for clarification as to whether or not there was consensus  million dollars in unencumbered reserves by March of this year.  secure alternative energy contracts.  down vote is cast.  representatives from the Sanitary District to attend.,  public awareness, and said awareness is the charge of Council.  tol bring back discussion of SmartMeters at a future meeting.  Greene affirmed.  1. CONSENT AGENDA: ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA MAY BE REMOVED AND DISCUSSED SEPARATELY. DISCUSSION MAY TAKE PLACE AT THE END OF THE AGENDA. OTHERWISE, ALL ITEMS MAY  BE APPROVED WITH ONE ACTION.  2    Minutes oft the San. Anselmo' Town Council  January 11,2011  (a) Approve minutes of] December 14, 2010. Project and authorize filing notice ofc completion. Sunday, March 13, 2011, 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.  (b). Accept as complete the Medway Avenue/Maple Lane pavement rehabilitation (c) Approve downtown event application for the San Anselmo Baseball Association Opening day parade, to be conducted on Red Hill Avenue to Memorial Park on (d) Conduct a public hearing and adopt ai resolution determining the existence ofa public nuisance and ordering the property owner of360 Redwood Road to abate the public nuisance existing at the property and reimburse the town for its costs and fees. CONTINUED TOTHE MEETING OF JANUARY25.2011. Mayor Greene opened the public hearing; as there was no comment, he returned the  discussion to Council.  M/s, Kroot/Thornton, to approve the consent agenda. AYES: Coleman, Greene, Kroot, McInerney, Thornton  NOES: None  2. RECEIVE REPORT ON THE CURRENT RULES FOR DOGS AT MEMORIAL PARK AND PROVIDE DIRECTION TOSTAFF. Dave Donery presented the staff report. Park patrons have requested Council review of the rules governing use of Memorial Park by dogs and their owners; specifically, a request has been made to increase the number ofallowable off-leash hours at the park. Donery explained that dogs are welcomed at four Town parks, including Sorich Ranch and Red Hill Dog Park, both of which are within walking distance of Memorial Park and allow off-lease dogs during. all open hours. At Memorial Park, dogs are permitted off leash before 8:00 a.m. and for one hour before sunset. Robson Park also has off-leash Although it is true that the sports fields at Memorial Park are not in constant use and are used sparingly by sports teams and recreational programs in the winter months, Donery observed that this is also true of most natural turf sports fields. Additionally, neighborhood parks and sports fields are generally completely off limits to dogs and all Donery added that the Dog Park Steering Committee is addressing the shortcomings at Red Hill Dog Park and have raised sufficient funds to plant over 20 trees, install tables and benches, and make other improvements. The Committee is. currently looking into Donery concluded that adequate opportunities exist for San Anselmo residents and their dogs and recommends no change to the existing dog-specific rules at Memorial Park. Councilmember Coleman asked what maintenance activities take place in Memorial Park  hours.  school fields are likewise off limits to dogs.  appropriate ground cover for the park.  at this time of the year.  3    Minutes oft the San. Anselmo Town Council  January 11,2011  Public Works Director Steve Myrter responded that reseeding takes place at the park and the grounds are maintained. He noted that there are drainage problems with the soil that McInerney asked Myrter how he would characterize the current condition of Memorial Myrter affirmed that the grounds are stressed and the irrigation system is fragile; a new irrigation system would be integral to reviving the grounds. At this time, staff is doing McInerney asked if allowing more liberal use of the field for off-leash dogs would Myrter affirmed that the impact would most likely be negative during the winter months. McInerney noted that Piper Park and Town Park of Corte Madera are mentioned in the staffreport. He asked Donery ifhe knows the rationale for the rules in those locations. Donery explained that Town Park, which is most like Memorial Park, went from an off- leash park to ai no-dog park as a result of an ordinance passed in 2000. The rationale was that it is difficult for young children and participants in organized sports to coexist with dogs present. Piper Park has a dog-specific park within its boundaries and dogs are Kroot asked what time children and participants in organized activities begin using Donery responded that the down time would be mornings during the school year. Afternoons, eyenings, and weekends are busy with baseball, soccer and softball beginning in March. The busiest times are from 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. throughout the day during the summer, with evening being social hour. Donery added that the picnic areas  make the ground vulnerable to holes.  Park; i.e., is its stressed? What would it take to rehabilitate it?  what they can with limited resources to keep the field useable.  negatively impact the ground.  permitted tol be offleash in that vicinity.  Memorial Park.  are popular, particularly with the ability to rent tables on line now.  Greene opened the public hearing.  Erica Wuthnow, San Anselmo, advised that currently, signage at Memorial Park gives the impression that dogs are not allowed in the park in the afternoon, but rather that dogs are welcomed after 8:00 p.m., year round. The Town should consider extending the hours by one hour in the morning, making them consistent with Robson Harrington Park hours. Wuthnow also advised that the signage at Memorial Par should be updated. Rohanna McLaughlin, San Francisco Boulevard, advises that the grounds at Memorial Park are in terrible shape. McLaughlin also wishes to correct the misconception that dogs are impacting the grassy areas, indicating that the damage is due to gophers. McLaughlin isr requesting parity with Robson Harrington in terms of allowing dogs off leash between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m., observing that most dog owners who use the park are very  responsible.  4    Minutes oft the San Anselmo' Town Council  January 11,2011  David Leavitt, Santa Barbara Avenue, thanked Council for limiting the hours for dogs at Robson Harrington Park. Because oft the change, Leavitt is now able toj play baseball with his sons, something he could not do before. Leavitt advised that there are a few too many irresponsible dog owners and noted that there have been incidents at Millenium Park with unleashed dogs defecating, taking balls from children, and scaring children. Leavitt Paul Gilbert, San Francisco Boulevard, is not looking to make Memorial Park a dog park, but would like to see more hours available for dogs and their owners. Gilbert, like Leavitt, has children in sports and is aware of the importance of organized activities, sports, and camps. He would personally like to see unleashed dogs kept away from the area next to the playground. With regard to the condition of the field, Gilbert has yet to see a dog digging a massive hole in the ground. Gilbert maintains that Memorial Park exists to serve the community and that dog owners are part ofthe community. Erin Bergman, Tamalpais Avenue, voiced support for Donery's recommendations and noted the inconsistencies in rules for dogs among the parks. Berkman believes the shared park concept is not working very well, citing damaged turf and conflict that ensues when ani individual confronts a dog owner and asks the owner to leash the dog.  would like to see the current hours enforced rather than extended.  Greene closed the public hearing.  McInerney asked for clarification with regard to the inaccurate signage atl Memorial Park. Donery indicated that two small signs had been posted indicating the incorrect hours of  before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.; those signs have been removed. Coleman asked for the plan oft the committee working with the dog park.  Donery responded that the two biggest issues are shade opportunities and ground cover. There are trees in place that need time to grow SO that they'll create significant shade; meanwhile, umbrellas have been purchased for sunny days. Ground cover, particularly a dog turf that is resistant to heavy use, is quite expensive and consideration is being given  to trying a test patch at this time. Coleman asked ift the park is currently open. Donery responded that it is and is well used at this time.  Kroot asked ifit was possible tol keep the dogs from the playground and picnic areas. Donery responded that the enforcement tools to manage that are not available and this Thornton believes it is time to reevaluate dogs and parks in general. She does not believe dogs should be in parks where children are playing down in the grass; rather, certain areas should be set aside for dog parks as evidenced by similar decisions in other municipalities. Thornton believes it is time to consider implementing a leash law in San  makes it difficult to: monitor such a rule.  Anselmo.  5    Minutes oft the San Anselmo Town Council  January 11,2011  McInerney recalled al lengthy discussion regarding dogs and the use ofTown parks in the context of Robson Harrington Park. He agrees with Gilbert's comments that most dog owners , including those at Memorial Park, are responsible, and acknowledges that a McInerney's greater concern is that Memorial Park is the Town's primary sports field and he does not feel it is practical to program shifting times for off-leash use. McInerney believes everyone is served by clearly defined rules with regard to hours of availability for dog use and, although he would like to see the off-leash start times for Robson Harrington and Memorial Parks be made consistent, he is comfortable with the current McInerney likes the suggestion ofl banning off-leash dogs from the picnic areas. He asked ifMemorial Park rules with regard to dog use are different from Millenium Park rules. Donery confirmed that Millenium Park has different rules and is basically off-limits to McInerney sees no justification for allowing dogs off leash in the picnic areas and is persuaded by the ways in which other communities address the issue. He observed that as far as he knows, San Anselmo is the only community in Marin that allows off-leash dogs in multi-use parks. He also called the Humane Society and asked for an opinion re off leash use; the society is very clear that they do not advocate for off-leash use at multi-use McInerney applauded the Dog Park Steering Committee and hopes San Anselmo can Coleman discussed injuries to herself and others who have been felled by dogs. She believes greater effort and funding must be put into developing the dog park as quickly as possible and does not support expanding the hours for dogs at Memorial Park. Kroot finds this a difficult decision. He supports moving forward with developing the dog park, which may ultimately be the only place for dogs. In the meantime, he supports the idea of expanding the hours at Memorial Park to 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and banning off- leash dogs from the picnic area. He would like to see a six-month review and a movement toward beginning to limit those times and eventually removing dogs from Greene agrees the hours should be expanded to 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and that no off- leash dogs should be permitted near the playground or picnic area; he also supports the  minority ofirresponsible dog owners exists.  rule at Memorial Park specifying use by dogs one hour before sunset.  dogs.  parks; rather, they advocate for dog parks. have a world class dog park.  Memorial Park once the dog park is complete.  idea of a six-month review.  Thornton asked what time summer and weekend programs begin.  Donery responded that the extended care hours for the summer camp begin at 8:00 a.m. Thornton observed that allowing dogs until 9:00 a.m. overlaps with that program.  6    Minutes of the San Anselmo Town Council  January 11,2011  Donery confirmed, noting that the camp would need to program around that hour and added that currently additional programs begin at 8:00 a.m. mid-June and go through  mid-August.  McInerney asked ift the field is ever used before 10:00 a.m. on weekends. Donery responded that most activities begin after 9:00 on weekends. Thornton asked ift the Town provides any financial support for the dog park.  Donery confirmed that it does not.  M/s, Thornton/Coleman, that the hours for Memorial Park not be changed.  AYES: Coleman, Kroot, Thornton NOES: Greene, McInerney  Kroot explained that he changed his conclusion because he had not realized the. field McInerney asked Donery if Memorial Park is used by either SABA or any other Town Donery responded that as far as he knows the park is not used before 9:00 a.m. on the M/s, Mclnerney/Greene, to change the hours with respect to off-leash dogs to 7:00 a.m. Donery advised Council that the current rules at Robson-Harrington Park allow off-leash dogs between 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, with no off-leash hours on Thornton believes that inconsistencies between the park hours and days oft the week make things difficult and has observed children with their families playing in the grass in the Kroot asked if banning the off-leash hours in the picnic area would remain in place and if After some discussion, Greene advised that Council has an amended motion on the table to change the hours with respect to off-leash dogs to 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., no off-leash dogs  could be used SO early in the morning during the summer.  activity on a weekend before 9:00 a.m.  weekend.  to 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.  Saturdays and Sundays.  mornings prior to games.  the decision would still be reviewed in six months.  near the playground or picnic areas, and a six-month review. AYES: Coleman, Greene, Kroot, McInerney  NOES: Thornton  7    Minutes of the San Anselmo Town Council  January 11,2011  Thornton suggests that staff take an overall look at the parks and the dog rules and bring that back to Council perhaps at the six-month review oft the current decision. She believes that for health reasons, it is important to consider disallowing mixed-use parks and Town Attorney Rob Epstein advised that considering a leash law dovetails with animal 3. APPROVE REQUEST OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TO BE ON CALL ONE NIGHT PER WEEK FOR ANY OVERFLOW NEEDS FOR THE Stutsman presented the staff report. Currently, First Presbyterian Church hosts the rolling winter shelter on Friday nights and would like to be on call to receive 15 men to sleep only in Duncan Hall on an additional, specifically identified- day of the week to be Stutsman explained that this would only take place in instances in which the program cannot accommodate all the men, who have all been appropriately screened, on a. given night. She introduced Joy Snyder ofthe First Presbyterian Church, to speak further on the Snyder began volunteering with the program last year and experienced an epiphany when she greeted the first bus from St. Vincent's. Many of the homeless brought to the shelter looked as though they were returning from a day at the office; others looked as though Currently, she is the volunteer coordinator for the program and was astonished by the poetry written by Mike; one of the shelter's wards; Snyder shared an excerpt entitled  considering a leash law.  control.  ROLLING WINTERSHELTER  detérmined.  subject.  they had walked off a college campus.  "Little Victories" from al longer work. Greene asked ift the program is going well. She thanked the Town for supporting the shelter.  Snyder confirmed that it was going well and that demand for its services is increasing. Police Captain Nick Valeri advised that the program has been very successful, that the department has been monitoring the shelter and has nothing negative to report. The only incident to date involved an older gentleman who simply wandered away. from the shelter. There have been no complaints from local residents and the staff at the shelter has Coleman asked how much advance notice would be available for the emergency overflow Snyder responded that the current plan is for the church to be notified by 5:45 on a given  been forthcoming with any information asked oft them.  coverage.  night which will probably be either Monday or Wednesday.  8    Minutes oft the San Anselmo' Town Council  January. 11,2011  McInerney asked if the Town would be provided notice at approximately 5:45 on the  given day.  Snyder confirmed that this is the case.  McInerney asked Valeri and Stutsman if they have any concerns about the timing of the  notice.  Valeri had no concerns.  Stutsman advised that she would like tol be notified. McInerney asked who would prepare meals on those evenings. First Presbyterian or they would arrive with fast food.  Snyder advised that the men would either be served at St. Vincent's before coming to  McInerney asked about Saint Anselm's participation in the program.  Snyder advised that Saint Anselm's is transporting men back and forth to the Quest in Greene opened the hearing for public comment; there was no comment. Greene closed Kroot advised Snyder of his appreciation for the program and thanked her for her M/s, Kroot/Thornton, to approve the request of First Presbyterian Church to be on call one night per week for any overflow needs for the rolling winter shelter. AYES: Coleman, Greene, Kroot, McInerney, Thornton  Novato.  the public hearing and returned the discussion to Council.  volunteerism.  NOES: None  4. APPOINT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE HOMELESS POLICY Stutsman presented the staff report. The policy group, Homeless Policy Steering Committee, works to facilitate planning around homelessness and then provides oversight and monitoring of the community's progress in preventing and reducing the number of The Committee is requesting that an individual be appointed by Council. Director of the County Health and Human Services Department Larry Meredith advises of two events coming up: the Homeless Count taking place on January 27, and the first official  STEERING COMMITTEE.  persons experiencing homelessness.  Homelessness Awareness Campaign.  McInerney asked if the committee meets quarterly.  Stutsman confirmed that it does.  9    Minutes oft the San Anselmo Town Council  January 11,2011  Greene opened the public hearing; as there was: no comment, he closed the public hearing  and returned the discussion to Council. McInerney volunteered to serve on the committee. Greene volunteered to serve as an alternate.  M/s, Thomton/Coleman, to appoint Tom McInerney as the primary and Ford Greene as  the back-up volunteer to the Homeless Policy Steering Committee. AYES: Coleman, Greene, Kroot, McInerney, Thornton  NOES: None 5. ADJOURN  Greene adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m., ini the memory ofl Mike Henderson, brother of  Interim Planning Director Diane Henderson.  Respectfully submitted, Nancy Harris  S:Town CouncilTC: Minutes2011Minutesl1011L.doc  10