The meeting was held at the Rod and Gun club.
Present: Merv and Linda Attell, Michele Barni, Matt Anderson, Francis Barbour and spouse Bill, Sidney Dent, Dana Miller, Cynthia Glinka, Donna Garske, Larry Rosenbeger, Emily and Dylan Wiseman.
1. Introductions started at 9.10am.
2. Treasurer’s Report. The 2024 Financial Report was distributed.
Presently the bank balance is $4691.48. $ 592.44 is due from Heron Court for their share of the 2024 beach garbage pick up expense.
3. Board Accomplishments.
Michele outlined the leash law ordinance that was activated last year.
Dogs on Main Street have to be on a leash.
If a dog is running loose then contact the Marin Humane 415 883 4621.
Michele reminded us that the authorities have no power to restrict dogs barking as they play on the beach.
Merv pointed out the lack of bathroom facilities by the beach. People do urinate on the beach.
The pull out area across from CalTrans is frequently used by drivers for urination,
There is a bathroom by the prison gate.
4. A Report: Beautification Committee.
Donna reported that there was little action last year. The vines by Cal Trans are thriving thanks to upkeep by Matt and Dave Barni.
Matt mentioned that the vines could be extended by the fence up to the bus stop.
Matt lis in contact with the Caltrans personnel who provide the water.
Larry asked about the status of the year old hole by Main and Mckenzie. The water pipe broke when water from the prison water tank above the village was released at full force.
Goal of the Board is to find who to contact in the Prison to resolve the situation.
N.B. The prison is responsible for the white hydrant by 100 Main.
MMWD is responsible for the yellow hydrants.
Merv asked that villagers clear gutters when they see the gratings covered by debris.
4.B. Report: Website.
Chris was not available.
5. WIFi cable services.
Alternatives to Comcast have ben found. STARLINK works well at the East end of the village.
Comcast service has improved since the company worked to improve their service to the prison.
SONIC is a system praised on “Next Door”. There needs to be a significant demand before the company delivers to a small community.
6. Styrofoam block recycling.
Sidney is willing to take the clean blocks of styrofoam used in packing appliance or Wayfair type items
to the recycling facility in Burlingame. Marin Sanitary disposes of all styrofoam in landfill where it disintegrates and blows into the bay. Please leave clean blocks at 66 Main Street.
7. Rodent Problem.
Traditionally rats are close to water.
2 car engines have been damaged.
Ivy may give refuge to rats.
Dana mentioned an Ultra Sonic Pest repellant that was successful.
8. Discussion and vote on Board members for 2025.
Michele mentioned that the Board needs new people. The meetings may be 3 or 4 times a year.
The board includes a Heron Court neighbor.
The attendees voted to keep the present board members. Michele Barni as president, Dana Miller as Vice-President, Sidney Dent as Secretary and Acting Treasurer.
9. Discussion and vote re: annual dues.
The $ 30 annual fees were agreed upon. Presently Paypal is not available.
10. Neighborhood social events.
Michele discussed a possible Spring get-together using the Rod and gun club facilities.
She cautioned that BYOB wine is not appropriate. The Club has a reasonable priced bar selection.
Guest Speakers.
9.50 am Supervisor Dennis Rodoni.
He was voted another 4 year term. His area, District 4 includes West Marin, and parts of San Rafael, Novato and Mill Valley. It is 37% is hispanic.
He reminded us that he speaks on a monthly radio show KWMR FM, 90.5.
He noticed the agenda item on the rat problem and mentioned that there is a Sonoma/Marin Rodent Abatement service.
He outlined some of the priorities of the Board of Supervisors:
Enhancing Marin’s economic vitality, Supporting housing, “bringing Government to you”
Michele asked about flooding mitigation. He told us the county is in the middle of a study on this,
The planned construction for San Quentin Rehabilitation Center is due to start. The workers for this will be parking at the West gate by Sir Francis Drake.
The Oak Hill project start is 6-8 months away. This is to provide 235 its. 115 will be for school and public employees. The school district will take over the rental of their units to ensure tenants are teachers.
Larry asked that a smart traffic light be used. The speed limit along that stretch of Sir Francis Drake has been changed to 35 mph.
Sea Level rise was mentioned. Michele mentioned the cliff erosion along the beach and offered to find photos that illustrated the changes.
Fire safety continues to be a concern.
Clearing brush and debris in the yard and around the house is recommended. The County has been working on clearing vegetation and making fuel breaks.
When risks become high, Red Flag Warning will be sent out.
People are advised to get away from their houses and evacuate.
The county has a computerized evacuation plan to allow cars to exit in an orderly manner.
If caught in a fire situation, it is safer to stay in the car.
Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority is working on reducing risks.
Rodoni warned that fire breaks around individual homes help but houses can burn from the inside if embers get on the roof or into vents.
The County weed whacks the hill at the end of Main Street. Mark Brown is the contact for this.
Housing:
70% of Marin housing is owned by seniors,
30% of Marin residents are over 65.
Rodoni mentioned Senior developments give homeowners the opportunity to move to a condo.
ADU:
The county may waive permits fees for these.
The rules on the septic systems may limit ADU expansions since new septic systems are costly ($ 100,000)
Facilites at the beach:
Mentioned again. The bathroom by the prison is the closest for visitors.
10.20 am Damon Connelly, our Assemblyman was represented by Melissa Appoya.
Melissa gave us an outline of the new bills being prepared in Sacramento.
These are to help with wildfires and insurance costs
The Governor is requesting $50 million $25 million for the Attorney General to fight Trump changes and
$ 25 million to provide legal resources for our immigrant community.
She added that fire prevention includes clearing out yards of debris.
Francis asked if the death penalty is to be abolished in California and we learned that nothing is happening regarding that at the moment.
Larry pointed out that California car insurance companies do not give a good driver discount when other states do so.
LT. Berry did not make the meeting.
The meeting closed at 10.40 am.
Donna thanked Dana for the maps she created for the Emergency lists.
Francis reported that the water pipe break that occurred in the early hours at 58 Main Street hours before the meeting was the prison pipe. The third time this has happened.
Minutes respectfully submitted by
Sidney Dent.