Meeting Minutes - City of Mill Valley

CITY OF MILL VALLEY
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
26 CORTE MADERA AVENUE, MILL VALLEY
May 4, 2015
7:00 p.m,
Kenneth R. Wachtel, Mayor
Garry Lion, Vice Mayor
John McCauley
Jessica Jackson - absent
Stephanie Moulton-Peters
City Staff Present: City Manager McCann ; City Attorney Stepanicich; Planning and Building
Director Smith ; Public Works Director Barnes; Police Chief Bernal ; Senior Planner Staude; and
City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Rogers.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wachtel called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
PUBLIC OPEN TIME
Pauline Bunton noted she would prefer the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee not be
established, but if it is, the Council should consider appointing Councilmember Jackson to the
Committee as she offers a different perspective due to gender and age. Ms. Bunton asked the
Council to return the words "unique" and "heritage" to the City's Core Values.
Steven Nestel, San Rafael resident, noted that he would be recording the meeting today because
he had heard that housing lobbyist groups would be attending this evening . He encouraged those
who are residents of Mill Valley to identify themselves as such.
Jim Bitter, Circle Avenue, noted he feels there is a misconception that the City's General Plan
was drafted by the members of the General Plan Advisory Committee CGPAC); but in actuality it
was drafted by outside developers and consultants.
Bob Burton, 114 Hazel Ave., noted he was on the GPAC committee and he can vouch for the
fact that volunteers and staff wrote the City 's General Plan.
Clayton Smith noted that he too thought that consultants wrote the majority of the City's
General Plan; the same group of Consultants that had worked on many other cities General Plans
within the County. He noted that that items discussed by Pauline Bunton should be addressed;
as Mill Valley is unique.
City Council Meeting Minutes
City of Mill Valley
Mayor Wachtel noted that Councilmember Jackson is absent this evening and noted that the
City would be conducting its annual Evacuation Drill on May 9, 2015. He encouraged the
community to participate in the event and educate themselves on evacuation procedures in the
event of an emergency. He commended those in attendance tonight for participating in the public
process.
In response to Councilmember Moulton-Peters, City Manager McCann noted that the
General Plan has similar content to other city's General Plans because as State law dictates
topics which require discussion. He explained that the General Plan was largely written by city
staff and citizen committees which helped reflect the passions and desires of the City. He
explained that consultants helped draft the Environmental Impact Report, and sections discussing
acoustical matters and other technical issues. He stated that the General Plan process utilized the
talents of over 50 Mill Valley residents.
City Manager McCann responded to the points brought up by Ms. Bunton by noting that the
Council's Core Values and Mission Statement are long-established and each year at the
Council's planning session they are reviewed and confirmed or updated as the Council sees fit.
In this particular case, one Core Value was determined to need updating to better reflect the
emphasis on small town character of Mill Valley as expressed by the General Plan. Throughout
the General Plan process it was determined that the phrase "Small Town Character" resonates
more with the community than simply noting the City as "unique" - so the Council substituted
the language. The intent and heart of the Core Value remains unchanged and in fact is
strengthened by the change in wording.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA ORDER
Agenda 150504
It was MOVED by Councilmember McCauley and SECONDED by Councilmember
Moulton-Peters to approve the Council meeting agenda. The Motion was carried unanimously
by a 4-0 vote, Councilmember Jackson absent.
COUNCIL AND STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Moulton-Peters noted that the May 9th Evacuation Drill will be held in
Blithedale Canyon and residents will practice evacuating to the Mount Carmel Church.
PRESENTATIONS
.L
Introduction and Badge Pinning of Police Officer Nickolas Neisieus.
Item 1 No Written Materia! I 50504
City Manager McCann introduced Police Chief Bernal and Officer Neisieus .
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City of Mill Valley
Chief Bernal outlined the officer's background and experience in law enforcement. He noted
that prior to going into law enforcement; Officer Neisieus was a Fire Chief with the Valley
Ford Fire Department. Chief Bernal introduced his family in attendance and performed the
oath of office and badge pinning for Officer Neisieus.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was MOVED by Vice Mayor Lion and SECONDED by Councilmember McCauley to
approve the Consent Calendar. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote,
Councilmember Jackson absent.
2.
Consideration of a Resolution calling the General Municipal Election on November 3,
2015 and Requesting Consolidation and Services by the Marin County Elections
Department.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 15-_.
Item 2 November 3, 2015 Election 150504
NEW BUSINESS
3.
Presentation by Supervisor Kate Sears Regarding the OWL Viewer, a Temporary
Installation on the Mill Valley-Sausalito Multi-Use Path to Help Residents Learn About
the Impacts of Sea Level Rise.
Recommended Action: Receive presentation.
Item 3 OWL Viewer 150504
Supervisor Sears presented the report. She noted the County would be holding a
community workshop in September after the OWL viewers have run their 12 week
course. She stated that the ribbon cutting ceremony and media launch would be on May
21,2015.
Supervisor Sears explained that the website for the OWL viewers will go live on May
21, 2015 as well. She indicated that the website will provide a greater opportunity for
public comment on the matter.
Clayton Smith noted that last week he attended a meeting at the Tam Valley Community
Center regarding flooding. He stated that flooding at the Manzanita parking lot has a
material impact on his business which is located on Miller Avenue. He recommended
including Caltrans in on the conversation to fix the flooding, as they have the most
impact on the roads in that area (and their corporation yard is located in that area so it
would benefit them to fix the problem). He stated he feels that Caltrans has an obligation
to work on the road and elevate the road, and hopes that County and City elected officials
will strongly encourage Caltrans to assist.
Supervisor Sears noted that the County Department of Public Works is working to make
improvements and she noted that it is always helpful to have public and Council support.
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City of Mill Valley
Jim Bitter discussed AB 32, global warming, and climate change. He noted that it would
cost the County less to hire teachers at Tamalpais High School to educate people on these
issues rather than installing OWL viewers.
4.
Update Regarding Safety Improvements for the Mill Valley- Sausalito Multi-Use Bike
Path.
Recommended Action: Receive presentation. discuss and provide direction as
appropriate.
Item 4 MV Sau salito Multi Use Path 150504
City Manager McCann introduced the item.
Brian Sanford, Superintendent, Marin County Parks, presented the report.
Councilmember Moulton-Peters noted this program is a result of a wonderful
partnership between the City and the County. There was a serious problem on the MultiUse Path; with so many different users sharing the space. This multi-faceted program
helps to remind people to be safe while enjoying the path.
Vice Mayor Lion noted that some original suggestions from the Mill Valley Council
were not utilized - like requiring bikers to travel single-file through the round-a-bout.
County Superintendent Sanford noted that the "share" graphics on the pathway help
enforce that message but noted that it was very difficult to regulate.
Bob Burton noted that he thinks the program is wonderful.
Clayton Smith thanked County Superintendent Sanford for his efforts in taming the
activities of users of the path. He finds it uncomfortable to use since he's not a bicyclist.
He noted that when he was a younger bicyclist, you needed to obtain a license for using a
bike. He noted that if that was implemented again, it might help stop reckless bicycle
activity; the additional funds generated from a licensing program would generate more
funding to local road programs as well.
County Superintendent Sanford noted that this program is the beginning of a culture
change in the biking community. He noted that Marin County Bike Coalition has reached
out to the SF Bike Coalition to inform them of the problems we are encountering on the
Multi-Use Path. He stated that the County Sheriffs enforcement and the City'S Police
Department will be doing enforcement on the path as well.
Don Herzog stated he feels the program is great, and that there needs to be a mechanism
in place to prevent people from darting across the path.
Christopher Ryan, new Mill Valley resident, noted that the impression is that there is a
'tyranny of the bike' in Mill Valley. He noted he feels it is not safe to walk the local path
because bikes aren't stopping at stop signs, not their using horns, etc. He agrees that there
should be a bike licensing program and with that bicyclists should carry liability
insurance.
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City of Mil! Valley
Steve Jaeger, Kipling Drive, noted this program is a big improvement, but asked that
staff continue to look at the eastbound spur of the roundabout as the path is still a bit
narrow.
5.
Consideration of a Resolution Adopting the City's 2015 - 2023 Housing Element
(Continued from April 20, 2015).
Recommended Action : Adopt Resolution No. 15Item 5 Housing Element 150504
Item 5 Comrnunication Nos. 1 - 2
Item 5 Communication Nos . 3 - 18
Item 5 Communication Nos. 19 through 23
Mayor Wachtel noted that Susan Kirsch asked him to make a statement of decorum at
the meeting. He agreed and asked that the crowds please remain courteous and create an
atmosphere that values and supports community participation.
City Manager McCann introduced the item.
Building and Planning Director Smith presented the staff report.
City Attorney Stepanicich noted he had one amendment to make on the proposed
resolution; on Line 182, the resolution should read "this resolution and Attachment 2."
Councilmember McCauley asked about Line Nos. 137 - 145 in the staff report about
new Program Step No. 14. Building and Planning Director Smith noted that for every
project the City sees that's on the Capacity Analysis, there will be a finding made that
there is sufficient buffer that the project decision will not impact the City's ability to
accommodate our housing needs; on a case-by-case basis.
Building and Planning Director Smith stated that it is important to note that the number
of units on the Capacity Analysis List is set at the mid-point so that there is flexibility to
go over or under that number.
Councilmember Moulton-Peters wondered whether the new reporting efforts will be a
significant amount of new workload for the City. Building and Planning Director
Smith noted that it would not be overly burdensome.
Councilmember Moulton-Peters noted that whether or not a property is on the Capacity
Analysis List or not, it can still be developed by the owner. Building and Planning
Director Smith noted his concurrence.
Councilmember McCauley asked the City Attorney if a property has been removed
from the Capacity Analysis, whether that removal gives the property owner or the City
any additional or fewer development rights. In response, City Attorney Stepanicich
noted that the property's zoning standards will still govern the property and that no
additional rights will be granted.
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City of Mill Valley
Mayor Wachtel noted staff received over thirty pieces of communication for this item
since the last public hearing and that they have been forwarded to the Council and posted
to the website for public review.
Mayor Wachtel opened the public comment period for the item.
Dr. Robert Bathoon, 9 Stanton Way, questioned the criteria of the Capacity Analysis
List, wondering if traffic concerns and water supply are factors of whether properties are
placed on the list. He noted if those considerations are not currently factors influencing
the List, that the Council implements them as such.
David Levin, CALM, commended the Council and staff on their hard work on the
Housing Element. He noted he was happy with the proposed document and stated he did
not feel that adopting a Housing Element promoted growth. He stated he believes that a
mix of different types of housing promotes small town character.
Mari Robinson, Scott Valley, discussed traffic congestion in Mill Valley and stated that
paramedics and emergency services are having a hard time traversing the City's
roadways. She stated she is grateful that the Council can fully meet the s\States' housing
requirements without including the originally proposed East Blithedale sites on the
Capacity Analysis. She urged the Council to adopt the Housing Element as proposed.
Jennifer Kersman asked that if the Council is considering a ban on short-term rentals,
not to make the ban too restrictive. She noted that a lot of the users of short-term rentals
actually live in Mill Valley or are guests and family members of Mill Valley residents.
She asked that second units be exempt from the ban.
Donald Herzog, East Manor Drive, noted that although there has been little permitted
growth in Mill Valley, Airbnb has 150 rentals in Mill Valley on their website. He stated
he believes that unpermitted second units are being used as short-term rentals and that no
additional provisions for parking are being implemented. He asked the Council to please
take traffic into consideration when analyzing construction.
Bob Pendoli, Marin Environmental Housing Collaborative, urged the Council to keep the
proposed Housing Advisory Committee noting that its membership should be a cross
section of the community. He stated he would like to see the sites on East Blithedale that
were listed on the Capacity Analysis, but were recommended for removal at the April 20,
2015 Council meeting be placed back on the List.
Susan Konklin thanked the Council for listening to the residents at the April 20, 2015
Council meeting. She noted that as amended, she supported the adoption of the Housing
Element resolution.
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. Mill Vallev.
Elizabeth Thomas Matej, Gomez Way, asked the Council to consider the
unincorporated portion of the area; noting there are 17,000 residents there. She explained
that children that live in unincorporated areas go to Mill Valley schools and use its roads.
She stated the Council should pay attention to property's walking scores, commuteability, and school enrolment. She asked the Council to please keep the Housing
Advisory Committee.
Phil Richardson noted he advocates for moderate sized housing in Mill Valley. He
discussed an email he sent to the Council requesting that the property site he owns be
placed back on the Capacity Analysis.
Judith Bloomberg, Marin Organizing Committee, commended the City Council and
Planning Commission for its work on coming up for a plan for housing; stating she
believes that housing is an important factor for a diverse community. She stated that
those who work in Mill Valley should be able to live here. She encouraged the Council to
adopt the Housing Element.
Elizabeth Moody urged the Council to adopt the proposed Housing Element.
Katie Webber discussed the City'S aging population and noted the Council should
consider waiving the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for micro-units which house residents
parents and aging relatives.
Bob Burton, Hazel Avenue, stated he wished to remove any units from the Capacity
Analysis in the City'S marsh areas. He noted that many residents are having to move
because they can't afford to live in Mill Valley. He noted the community should not be
resistive to families moving into the area and should support more types of units than just
additional second units. He stated that adopting the Housing Element will not satisfy the
lack of housing. He noted that review and approval of projects on a case by case basis
will help and that in the future, the community and the Council should have an open
mind.
Dennis Klein, Affordable Housing Committee, gave thanks to Elizabeth Moody for her
part in helping get the Housing Element developed. He explained that she helped the City
face its responsibilities of affordable housing and noted that it is his prediction that Mill
Valley will see a reduction in traffic the day transit-centric housing is implemented.
Susan Kirsch, Ryan Avenue, noted that Mill Valley is a highly walkable community.
She stated she is pleased with the collaboration between the Council and the public and
recommended the Council adopt the amended Housing Element. She asked the Council
to think creatively about how to find building sites that achieve the City'S housing
requirements, noting she is not opposed to diversity .
Rama Diep noted that she can no longer afford to live in Mill Valley because of shortterm rentals; they are eliminating the long term rental opportunities in Mill Valley. She
also asked that the Council and community not discriminate against renters and
minorities.
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cu, of Mill Valle y
Peggy Chipkin, 30 Altamont Ave., noted that in the 1970' s a moratorium for building
was put in place. She recommended instituting another moratorium, but if anything is
built, please make it affordable housing. She recommended the Council adopt the
proposed Housing Element.
Clayton Smith, Carrera Drive, noted the Council did the right thing by reducing the
Capacity List and buffer. He noted he felt Dick Spotswood really got it right - that the
City should solve its circulation issue before any more building happens in Marin. He
stated he feels CalTrans needs to step forward to help solve problems in a practical and
real sense. He stated he was not supportive of the proposed Affordable Housing
Committee, as it creates divisiveness within the community.
Kathy Rosecrans, 68 Locust Avenue, noted that her impression is that the Council has
worked hard towards a good middle ground in the Housing Element. The main concerns
of the community are the things really taxing the City's resources - i.e. traffic, and water
usage. She noted she is glad the City is presenting a traffic report at the same time the
Housing Element is being discussed because she feels that the traffic issue should be
solved before anymore density is added. She also stated that the coordination of traffic
signals on East Blithedale, the Tennessee Valley Road signal, onramp metering are issues
we need Caltrans assistance with.
. Mayor Wachtel noted that the Tiburon Town Council will be meeting on Wednesday of
this week to discuss the proposed Knoll Street Stoplight.
Geri Cunnin, noted she is so grateful to the Council for its extraordinary work. She
stated she feels the community seems to be a little more compassionate and urged
adoption of the Housing Element resolution. She encouraged the Council to be mindful
about workforce and affordable housing.
Bruce Dorfman, Buena Vista, noted Southern Marin has created very limited housing
options and now the situation is untenable. He noted that the Council is helping to resolve
a problem 40 years in the making. He stated he feels the City lacks diversity and urged
the Council to adopt the Housing Element. He thanked the Council for all their hard
work.
Brett Gibbs, 28 Altamont, expressed his disagreement with the Housing Element. He
noted that he believes Mill Valley is special because it is a small town and should not be
changed.
Jim Bitters noted that it is important to have all five members of the Council present for
important decisions such as this. He asked that the Council not speak on behalf of its
citizens, as people have different opinions on this issue.
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City of Mill Valley
City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Rogers noted that she had received two
eComments. One from Laura McDonald, asking the Council not to approve any
increase in housing and another from "Mary" indicating that she does not support Mr.
Richardson's housing proposal.
Mayor Wachtel closed the public comment period.
Building and Planning Director Smith noted that the Council is voting on the amended
Resolution (which would formally adopt the Housing Element) as called out as
Attachment 1 of the May 4,2015 staff report .
City Attorney Stepanicich noted that the Council shall be approving the resolution as
amended.
Vice Mayor Lion commended staff and the Housing Element subcommittee members on
working out a solution that helps solve the buffer issue. He noted that the Council will be
discussing the City's traffic issues later and that he feels the Housing Element should be
acted upon now, as the City'S deadline is May 30, 2015. He emphasized that traffic
considerations are being taken and indicated that Councilmember Jackson also agreed
that approving a reduced buffer was a smart decision. He stated that he would like staff to
research the Airbnb/short-term rental situation in the future .
Councilmember McCauley indicated that staff still needs to look into the following
items: 1. if a property owner wants to change the zoning for a specific site or area, then
the City's General Plan and Municipal Code would need revision; the Housing Element
would not facilitate that change; 2. He noted he would like to agendize future discussion
on a General Plan amendment regarding building intensity and effects on East Blithedale
traffic; 3. He noted the City needs to further discuss making areas around the freeway
strictly commercial; 4. With regards to second units, the City should look into whether
we are getting enough low income housing in return for the intensity of development; and
5. Apartments represent 30% of the City's housing and currently there is nothing in the
City's rules and guidelines to help make sure apartments are protected - and not turned
into more expensive condominiums.
Councilmember Moulton-Peters noted she supported Councilmember McCauley's
points. She stated she feels that good changes have been made to Capacity Analysis. She
noted that robust discussion has taken place on this issue and noted that the Miller
Avenue area may be a more appropriate place for additional development, rather than on
East Blithedale. She noted she supports preserving the multiple family units that we
already have. She stated that she supports the proposal outlined in the staff report to
reduce the buffer, revise the Capacity Analysis List, eliminate the Supplemental List, and
retain the Affordable Housing Committee with the proviso that the Committee will be
done through Council appointment and all meetings will be held in accordance with the
Brown Act - to ensure transparency and public participation. She thanked the staff and
community for their hard work and input on this important matter.
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City of Mil! Valley
Mayor Wachtel thanked the Community for their comments and their participation. He
thanked Senior Planner Staude for the revamped selection process and amended
resolution. He noted that the public hearing process really helped shape this topic and
was glad the community provided its input to Council; as the amended resolution that is
proposed seems to have overall community support.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Moulton-Peters and SECONDED by Vice Mayor
Lion to adopt Resolution No. 15-18 finding the 2015 - 2023 Housing Element Update
Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and Adopting the 2015 - 2023
Housing Element Update. The Motion was carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote,
Councilmember Jackson absent.
6.
Presentation Regarding Traffic Conditions Status and Direction for Action.
Recommended Action: Receive presentation, discuss and provide direction.
Item 6 Traffic Conditions Update 150504 Part 1
Item 6 Traffic Conditions Update 150504 Part 2
Item 6 Communicatio n No. 1
Item 6 Communication Nos. 2 through 5
Item 6 Communication Nos. 6 through 22
Item 6 Communication Nos. 23 throu gh 26
City Manager McCann presented the staff report.
Public Works Director Barnes presented slides from the PowerPoint presentation.
David Parisi, Traffic Engineer, continued the report and presented more presentation.
City Manager McCann discussed the City's proposed Action Plan.
Vice Mayor Lion noted that things like implementing shuttles and buses would be
reviewed by the proposed Task Force. The Task Force would define a set of goals and
implement proper strategy and testing for methods developed. He noted that there should
be a member of the Chamber of Commerce on the Task Force to be a voice for the
business community.
Mayor Wachtel asked how long the data collection process would take. Mr. Parisi
noted that it would be a few months, as he would like to collect data while school is in
session.
Councilmember McCauley noted he was interested in finding out what Tiburon was
implementing in regards to school buses. Mayor Wachtel noted that Tiburon was
charging $700 a person for school bus passes. He noted that it might be a good idea to do
some research on what price parents are willing to pay in Mill Valley. He explained that
Tiburon and Belvedere are providing financial backing for the project.
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City of Mill Valley
Councilmember Moulton-Peters asked what kind of studies can be implemented to get
to the heart of the traffic problem. She noted it may be a good idea to do some sort of
origins and destinations study for students who are traveling across town in order to get
to and from school each day. In response, Mr. Parisi stated that we could do that type of
study and noted that he also wants to know who/what kind of traffic is crossing the 101
corridor. Councilmember Moulton-Peters noted that Safe Routes to School had started
a Carpool program and encouraged the community to look into utilizing it.
Vice Mayor Lion noted that the Airbnb phenomenon should be studied as well. He
indicated that ramp metering is an unknown factor and should be reviewed and
monitored. Mr. Parisi concurred.
Mayor Wachtel opened the public comment time.
David Shoenbraun, Sausalito, noted that the roadway system is in a state of maturation.
He stated that resident's vehicle trips have increased which creates congestion; Mill
Valley is a pressure cooker because of its isolation from the rest of the County. He stated
that households today drive twice as many trips as they used to; the fundamental
assumption of suburban mobility has stopped working. He indicated that he feels the
areas transportation system can be improved; however, residents need to be conscious of
their own driving habits and do their part to help fix the problem. He encouraged more
carpooling and bussing for school kids and general circulation.
Kathy Rosekrans, 68 Locust, noted that Tamalpais Park Neighborhood is extremely
impacted by traffic congestion. She noted that the traffic present on East Blithedale is
bleeding into the surrounding neighborhoods. She discussed the need to have proper
signal synchronization and asked whether the City's recent timing upgrades worked. She
stated she felt the traffic was worse since the new synchronization began.
Randy Smith thanked staff on a fantastic job on the staff report. He asked the Council to
consider opening Hamilton Drive to two-way traffic and noted the City should consider
having the shoulder at Highway 101 southbound be turned into a proper lane. He
encouraged residents not to block the intersection at Camino Alto and East Blithedale, as
that contributes to the traffic congestion.
Peggy Chipkin stated that Mr. Parisi's graphs showed that there has been no change or
increase in traffic; however that isn't accurate as she believes traffic has gotten much
worse in the last few months. She noted that the traffic signal at the Tiburon overpass is
causing a problem and that a small increase in cars creates a huge impact in traffic.
Jim Livit, member of the Enchanted Knolls Crime and Safety Committee, noted his
opposition to making Hamilton a two-way road. He stated he was disappointed that the
City is proposing a pilot project for Hamilton to be opened two-ways. He indicated that
Roque Moraes was never designed to be a thoroughfare to Highway 101.
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Cit}, of Mill Valley
David Wygant, Kipling Drive, shared possible safety risks for opening Hamilton to twoway traffic. He noted that children walk on Hamilton Drive. to get to school and that if it
was open to two-way traffic some of those parents would not let their children walk
anymore; thereby creating more traffic in the area. He noted that many families and pets
use the road to access parks and schools. He stated that the street is curvy and not safe.
Bruce Wisley, 135 Kipling Drive, stated that Enchanted Knolls is a neighborhood, not a
freeway. He noted that cyclists and children use Hamilton Drive. He stated he felt that
turning it into a two-lane freeway is a very dangerous idea.
Sheila Brooks, 220 Oakdale, believes in minimizing car travel as much as possible. She
noted she supports construction restrictions and only allowing a certain number of trucks
at a project at one time. She stated that enormous delivery vehicles are also a problem
that creates traffic back-up and suggested limiting the size of delivery trucks entering the
City.
Rama Diep, parent at Park School, noted she can no longer walk her children to school,
but encouraged those who can to do so more frequently. She noted that as long a Mill
Valley attracts tourists there will continue to be traffic.
Douglas Newman, Enchanted Knolls, noted he is opposed to two-way traffic on
Hamilton. He noted that would make his neighborhood very isolated from local parks and
the middle school. He noted that he walks frequently and sees kids run in the street after
balls; additional traffic on that road would not be safe. He cautioned that additional traffic
on Hamilton might impact emergency response time as well.
Doug Tarr, Miller Avenue, noted that he spearheaded a petition on Change.org for
school buses in Mill Valley. He noted that he was not encouraged or impressed by the
formation of another task force. He urged the Council to follow Tiburon's example.
(no name given), Enchanted Knolls, thanked the Council for the work being done on the
City's traffic problems.
Julie Moroque stated she thinks the School Board members are very important to
include in this conversation as school placement is very important.
Sandy Zuper stated that traffic on East Blithedale is a nightmare and asked that the City
work on better synchronization of the stop lights. She encouraged the Council to work
with the Mill Valley School District on implementing school buses and hoped the District
could realign attendance to schools in a way that reduced cross-town traffic.
Steve Jaeger, 169 Kipling, noted that it doesn't make sense that population growth has
not increased but that there are hundreds of more kids attending Mill Valley schools. He
noted he is against opening up Hamilton Road to two-way traffic and suggested the
Council develop a Master Plan for traffic and encouraged all City departments to work
together on the matter.
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City of Mill Valley
David Ward, 1 Eucalyptus Knoll.noted he did not wish to see Hamilton opened to twoway traffic.
Dr. Barbara Leniken noted that many people use Hamilton Drive; not just drivers. She
urged the Council to keep Hamilton Rd. one-way.
Jenny Benegas, Eucalyptus Knoll, does not wish to see Hamilton Drive opened to twoway traffic.
Marleen (no last name given), Eucalyptus Knolls, noted she did not want to see
Hamilton a two-way street. She noted her concurrence with the other speakers.
Donald Herzog noted this issue has been up for community discussion for years. He
stated that any change that is implemented to improve traffic is going to affect someone.
He suggested opening up Hamilton to two-way traffic for a trial period, restriping East
Blithedale with a 4-foot wide bike path, gather a cost estimate for the widening of East
Blithedale in front of Bank of America, and hire a traffic guard on Hamilton if necessary
at school hours.
Christopher Brone noted he lives and works in Mill Valley noted that he is afraid the
City is in danger of analysis paralysis. He recommended the City start implementing
projects that pick off the "low hanging fruit" including curb cuts and restriping. He noted
that the local private schools should be included in the discussion as well.
Geri Gilbert, Eucalyptus Knoll, indicated that she is against two-way traffic at Hamilton
Dr.
Dan Archer, Sunnyside Avenue, congratulated the Council on the adoption of the
Housing Element. He noted, however, that Mill Valley doesn't have the infrastructure to
allow for any more building. He stated he is not in favor of any additional traffic signals
and recommended getting rid of two of them at the 101 corridor. He asked whether it was
possible to synchronize the signals at the 101 Highway and noted that traffic had gotten
worse since the installation of the Tennessee Valley light.
Clayton Smith stated that during 1990 traffic studies recommended expanding current
roadways. He noted he did not support opening up Hamilton Dr. to two-way traffic, but
did recommend eminent domain for properties on East Blithedale.
John Gerk, Enchanted Knolls, concurred with his fellow neighbors. He recommended
staggering school times a few times a week, charging motorists coming in from San
Francisco, synchronizing the lights at the 101 Highway, and adding a third lane on
Blithedale.
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City of Mill Valley
Bob Burton noted he was the Mayor when the City built the Public Safety Building and
noted that he feels Hamilton Drive should be open to two-way traffic.
Dennis Klein, 347 Hazel Ave., noted that there is traffic in Mill Valley because of its
demographic problems. He stated that when properties change hands, more trips are
generated by the new, wealthier owners. He encouraged the community to work together
to solve this problem.
David Raub, 139 Kipling, noted that he heard some good ideas tonight and encouraged
the Council to pursue them. He indicated that the school traffic issue is a big one. He
stated he is disappointed at the request for two-way traffic on Hamilton Dr.
City Clerk!Administrative Analyst Rogers read into the record 11 eComments from
the following individuals:
• Ben and Lisa Davoren indicated that they are opposed to two-way traffic on
Hamilton Drive.
• Carrie Sherriff noted her opposition to opening up Hamilton Drive to two-way
traffic.
• Cynthia LaMar indicated she is opposed to two-way traffic on Hamilton Drive.
• Debbie Alley noted that traffic would improve on Shoreline Highway if illegal
left turns over double yellow lines stopped occurring.
• Sashi McEntee thanked the Council for the informative discussion and noted she
appreciated the eComment feature.
• Lee Kleinecke noted that the traffic light synchronization at the Blithedale/101
interchange needs adjustment.
• James Lease noted he did not support two-way traffic on Hamilton Drive.
• Eve Mueller stated that traffic congestion and traffic speed on Sycamore Avenue
is getting out of hand.
• Leslie Reiber stated she feels that the freeway overpass at the Blithedale/101
Highway interchange should be a "no merge" zone.
• Heidi Kotansky indicated she is opposed to two-way traffic on Hamilton Drive.
• Ann Mannheimer and her family indicated that they are against two-way traffic
on Hamilton Drive.
Seeing that the meeting was running late, the Council came to a consensus to continue
the meeting past midnight.
Councilmember Moulton-Peters noted that she was glad to be having this conversation.
She stated that the City streets are overwhelmed because there are too many cars on the
street. She noted the City needs to be looking at costs of making tweaks to the system to
improve traffic and stated that she is glad staff and the community are thinking
creatively. She noted that some short term solutions to traffic include utilizing programs
like Uber for Kids, vanpools for kids, as buses may be a more long-term goal. She noted
she supports the traffic committee and hopes they come up with some good solutions.
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City ofMill Valley
Vice Mayor Lion thanked the public for their input. He noted that Item No. 3 of the
Action Plan - opening Hamilton Drive to two-way traffic would probably not work well.
He noted he felt that the Council should save this as a last option. He noted he would like
to see an emphasis on getting a right turn lane at the onramp going south on the 101
freeway. He encouraged the Council and the Community to think outside the box, noting
that school traffic and light synchronization are both very important.
Councilmember McCauley noted he concurs with Vice Mayor Lion regarding
Hamilton. However, the rest of the proposed Action Plan is a great list. He stated staff
should reach out to the school district to do a survey to see if parents would pay for a
student bus program. He congratulated City Manager McCann on getting Caltrans to
help with the traffic signal at Tam Valley and suggested the City continue to apply
pressure to Caltrans to help with other matters. He asked the community to also put
pressure on Caltrans. He noted that the community had discussed a possible solution of
limiting vehicles at construction sites. He suggested implementing a placard program for
construction vehicles at construction sites and making construction traffic use Miller
Avenue instead of Blithedale.
Mayor Wachtel noted that this is a cross-jurisdictional issue. He stated that one of the
first things we need to do is update the information in the traffic study. No matter how
good our roads are, the ability to conduct cars from one place to another depends on
CalTrans. He noted that a lane dedicated to freeway entrance at the 101 Highway going
south would be beneficial. He noted that stoplight synchronization needs more work and
that the stoplight at Tennessee Valley is only marginally better than it was. He discussed
the impact the economy is having on traffic - as there are now more construction vehicles
present in town. He stated that the City Construction Management Plans need to include
a project's effect on traffic in the community. He noted he agrees that a staggered start
time for local schools could help with congestion. He discussed school assignment and
noted that because of the disparity in school sizes, some children will always have to
travel farther to go to school than others. He agreed that the bus program for schools was
worth working on and agreed that the private schools should be included in the
conversation. He stated Hamilton Drive should be studied to determine whether or not it
is a viable solution to have it a two-way street. He noted the study should come before the
pilot program. He agreed that a Task Force should be established with members from
different levels of government and that a member of Caltrans should be included.
City Manager McCann clarified that Council would like staff to proceed with the points
outlined in the Action Plan presented in the staff report, with the exception of Item 3 Hamilton Drive two-way traffic. He noted that he will commence with the formation of a
TaskForce.
The Council discussed the benefits and challenges of opening Hamilton Drive to twoway traffic and decided that staff should not pursue that option further.
City Manager McCann noted the staff would take Hamilton Drive off the list/action
plan.
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City Council Meeting Minutes
City of Mill Valley
7.
Update Regarding Progress and Recommended Next Steps on the Renewal of the
Municipal Services Tax.
Recommended Action: Receive presentation, discuss and provide direction as
appropriate.
Item 7 MST Update 150504
The Council continued this item to a date uncertain.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS
An opportunity for Councilmembers to report on activities of the local and regional governmental bodies upon
which they serve.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS
City Manager McCann discussed the following topics:
1.
Annual Evacuation Drill Scheduled for May 9,2015.
COUNCIL REQUESTS AND IDEAS FOR DISCUSSION
ADJOURNMENT: The Council adjourned at 12:41 a.m. to the next Regular City Council
meeting will be held on Monday, May 18, 2015.
ATTEST:
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