| Time | Speaker | Text |
|---|---|---|
| 00:00:07.73 | Jill Hoffman | Good evening and welcome to the regular city council meeting for January 11, 2022. I call the meeting to order. Mr. Clerk, could you please call the roll? |
| 00:00:20.69 | Walfred Solorzano | Councilmember Sobieski. |
| 00:00:22.48 | Jill Hoffman | here. |
| 00:00:23.29 | Walfred Solorzano | Councilmember Blaustein? |
| 00:00:26.17 | Jill Hoffman | here. |
| 00:00:27.17 | Walfred Solorzano | Council member, no. |
| 00:00:29.02 | Jill Hoffman | Yeah. |
| 00:00:29.92 | Walfred Solorzano | Vice Mayor Kellman. |
| 00:00:31.22 | Jill Hoffman | Take care. |
| 00:00:32.08 | Walfred Solorzano | Mayor Hoffman. |
| 00:00:33.27 | Jill Hoffman | Here, all members are present and we have a quorum. We have two items on our agenda this evening. Item B1 is conference with legal counsel, existing litigation pursuant to California government code section 54956.9 D1. The name of the case is Sausalito Moran County Chapter of the California Homeless Union. versus the city of Sausalito, United States District Court number Case number 3TAC 21-CV-0. 1143-LB. Number two, I think we have a, We have a hot mic here. Someone's got a mic on. I don't know who it is. There we go. Okay, thank you. D2 is public employee performance evaluation pursuant to California government codes section 54957. The title is city manager. I will now take public comment on these closed session items. I see two hands up and I'll let the clerk call the Participants. |
| 00:01:36.71 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, we do have two hands raised and the first person is Charlie. Charlie, you have been unmuted and asked to share your video. |
| 00:01:46.51 | Sharna Brockett | Thank you. Can you all hear me? Yes, we can go ahead. |
| 00:01:49.13 | Charles Melton | Thank you. |
| 00:01:49.45 | Sharna Brockett | Great. |
| 00:01:50.04 | Charles Melton | Thank you. Hello everyone. Regarding existing litigation with Sausalito Chapter of the Homeless I addressed the allegation of fecal contamination briefly last night, but you should also be aware I've confirmed the location of a gravity sewer pipe under the park. But to my knowledge, Anthony Prince and the homeless union do not represent any potential or future litigant as it pertains to rock throwing. environmental contamination or anything else of substance. I'm still trying to figure that out. That being said, the homeless union does not represent the camp collectively. Therefore, I would implore you to figure out exactly who the high-dollar plaintiffs are where they're actually staying, and what it is they hope to accomplish by bringing suit against this city. Thank you. Additionally, To reiterate any communication between Urban Alchemy and this government in regard to individuals not named as a plaintiff in this case, would be a violation of that citizen's constitutional right. With all of that being said, Why is it costing the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees? I'm not sure. we could begin to address this much more amicably cost effectively and most importantly, more humanely. I've been bringing other real estate professionals to the site who are at the very least Stunt. at what's happened here. As to Mr. Zapata's second scheduled performance review within 30 days, well, Madam Mayor, I hope you all have the courage to fire him. Otherwise, as some of the other constituents have expressed in writing, It may be time for a new sheriff in town. I appreciate all of your time, I know you're working very, very hard. I know this has become very, very convoluted. And I just want to see I want to see the right thing done. So thank you for your time. Thank you. |
| 00:03:47.03 | Sharna Brockett | Thank you. |
| 00:03:47.07 | Charles Melton | Yeah. |
| 00:03:47.08 | Sharna Brockett | Thank you. |
| 00:03:47.19 | Charles Melton | Thank you. |
| 00:03:52.50 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, our next speaker is Timothy Logan. Mr. Logan, you've been unmuted and asked to share your video. |
| 00:04:05.24 | Timothy Logan | Super cool world. First I wanna say how the food are still in the same sewage and stuff like that. we have been asking to get out of for months now. who Who's the portal? to not only get fired, I think all of you could have seen scouts about keeping your jobs. from the city council and the police department, |
| 00:04:38.45 | Unknown | in the curve. |
| 00:04:41.03 | Timothy Logan | The fact that you guys don't talk about any of this to us the gas of people that are in the MTA that the ones that are living right here We keep having these private meetings to discuss something about us |
| 00:04:57.17 | Unknown | but |
| 00:04:57.88 | Timothy Logan | All this money that you guys have spent and all these legal fees, if you would have just helped us out from the beginning, None of this would have happened. There's a couple of people who want to speak after me too, but None of this would be as expensive as it is right now. if you would have just gotten us somewhere to begin with. It's so simple. You guys have been fighting teeth and nail and making us miserable, putting our lives in jeopardy. and basically making a laughing spark out of yourself. I just, I don't know what to even say beyond that. I mean, you guys are ridiculous when it comes to running the city, that's for sure. I mean, Everything that you've done has been a wreck, as far as I'm concerned. I mean, you're talking about tearing down buildings over here in the main part where it's actually going to jeopardize the mountain face. Where the whole mountain could come down and you're going to do that with one building. When there's how many people above that house, they have to worry about their lives and their livelihood. I mean, everything that he's done has been a fail. So I think you guys can all step back and take a look at yourself and maybe say you need somebody else in your place. Thank you. Who's the most perfect? |
| 00:06:15.11 | Cynthia Reagan | Thank you. Hi, this is Cynthia Reagan. I just wanted to first talk about Anthony Prince's representation is the rights of the homeless, which is Obviously there's much more going on here with me. Thank you. |
| 00:06:28.16 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 00:06:28.21 | Cynthia Reagan | Thank you. |
| 00:06:28.24 | Unknown | . |
| 00:06:28.51 | Cynthia Reagan | you for claims for property of restitution of the people who first request. Then also the personal damages of property since we've been in this entertainment camp and also the health hazards which are yet to be found out. With their personal claims, some of them might be made collectively, but they should be I would love it if someone would come down here and we could talk about going back to making little mini homes and making things beautiful and doing something really good. And we can definitely salvage those palates that you have in there and we can make them beautiful and we can clean up the sky. guys with this weather okay so love you all bye you |
| 00:07:04.72 | Unknown | Yeah. |
| 00:07:05.08 | Cynthia Reagan | Thank you. |
| 00:07:05.65 | Unknown | And then we got party and food. |
| 00:07:10.01 | Timothy Logan | So do you want to say something about Chris DiPato? |
| 00:07:13.35 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 00:07:15.31 | Timothy Logan | I'm not so thankful. |
| 00:07:17.25 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 00:07:17.53 | Timothy Logan | Hello? Yes, go ahead. |
| 00:07:18.75 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 00:07:18.92 | Unknown | Yes. |
| 00:07:20.06 | Unknown | What? |
| 00:07:20.37 | Timothy Logan | How? |
| 00:07:20.54 | Unknown | We will need to get this move going into the task force, or we need to know what's going on or why It's not. Oh, I'm not going to. Uh, Okay. We need it to be completed and finished, and we need to be able to move on. We need some cleanup help. We need a crew of people to come out and pick up the last storm, force people out of here, and they've just left a pile of debris here. And we need some strongbacks and maybe a dump truck, and we need to get all that out of here. And it's a lot. It's just junk, piled up, rotting, and broken. |
| 00:08:00.18 | Unknown | Oh, fall. |
| 00:08:03.18 | Unknown | you And that's about it. That's all I got to say. I don't want to. |
| 00:08:05.85 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:08:05.86 | Unknown | I don't want to. |
| 00:08:07.70 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:08:07.72 | Unknown | Okay. |
| 00:08:08.04 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:08:08.26 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 00:08:08.27 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:08:08.56 | Unknown | Thank you. Hey. Okay. I love telling people who you ever saw. |
| 00:08:17.93 | Unknown | Bye. all |
| 00:08:20.54 | Unknown | There's and moving on. I'm not leaving. Mm-hmm. |
| 00:08:26.03 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:08:26.08 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 00:08:27.09 | Jill Hoffman | Okay. |
| 00:08:27.83 | Unknown | Thank you. Sorry about that. |
| 00:08:28.00 | Jill Hoffman | Sorry, Bob. That's OK, thank you. |
| 00:08:31.09 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 00:08:31.11 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Your time is over. Thank you. So could we move on to the next? |
| 00:08:40.13 | Walfred Solorzano | Yes, Madam Mayor. |
| 00:08:40.29 | Jill Hoffman | I believe we have one more hand up. |
| 00:08:41.99 | Walfred Solorzano | We have one more hand up and that ends with phone number 4675, you've been unmuted and asked to share your video. |
| 00:08:56.40 | Jill Hoffman | We're not able to hear you. Um, Yes. |
| 00:09:00.62 | Unknown | Hello. |
| 00:09:01.80 | Jill Hoffman | Yes, go ahead. |
| 00:09:02.82 | Unknown | Go ahead. First of all, good evening. It is a pleasure to be able to address each and every one of you. |
| 00:09:03.15 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:09:09.99 | Unknown | Um, In regard to marine ship, we call it, the problem there is that the ship has failed Unfortunately, it is a monumental mistake that you guys have made. you have definitely destroyed human beings without any disregard to the help they need. you created this situation with John Krauts. You make them homeless. And these are the results of your being incapable to empathize any human part of yourselves. You, Mrs. Hoffman. of you have failed. royally. not only the jobs we're doing now, but all the code of ethics of your former job. Shame on you. When he comes to the city manager, Mr. Crease. I do not understand how you can hire somebody with such a staining and professional Thank you. mistakes done all over he went. |
| 00:10:25.35 | Unknown | Okay. |
| 00:10:26.01 | Unknown | each and every one of you that sits in that city council Mm-hmm. shameful. of how you have treated the people and enrich your lawyer friends. You could, Doc. each and every one of these people. Have a better life. For one, people have died in that place. You knew this was a sewer leech field. And you did put the people there. You have. something that you should be ashamed of yourselves. Look at the lady, Melissa Bolstein. She seems so uncomfortable to what I'm saying. And I look at Mrs. Hoffman, you look like you're made of steel. You don't have a human empathy. Where do you come from? Who are you? Are you going to try to get this job again, to do the same and destroy these people even farther? Your failing at the tennis court is a shame. The entire Marine County sees you. Every single day that we shared the news You mockery, you adore humanity. Sad. shameful. And I hope that you refine with this half-mile. You are responsible for every single thing Even people have died in that place. You force them out of one park, with the help of a judge, a federal judge, lying to him. making all these things happen one after the other. and what you created Amelia, your three minutes have a left. |
| 00:12:11.09 | Jill Hoffman | All right. |
| 00:12:11.98 | Unknown | ever in Marine Corps. |
| 00:12:13.20 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you, sir. Um, Thank you. Okay, I see another hand from Charlie, but I know that she's already given her public comment. At this point, we will close public comment and move into closed session. And so at this point, we will adjourn to closed session. Thank you. We now proceed to the open session portion of our city council meeting this evening. And to start us off, I'll do a report out of our closed session effort of the performance review of our our city council or sorry, our city manager. and I'm happy to report that it was a positive review and of the efforts that he's made over the past six months to integrate into our town and keep us on the right path. And I see that he's just now entering. So I will, Note that this is part of a annual review program that we have instituted and we will adhere to it. This was our six month review and we will do another annual review in the next six months or at the end of the next six months. And so, Um, with that. I see that he's in, I believe that he's in our meeting now. Mr. Zapata, would you like to add anything to that summary or? |
| 00:13:44.85 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, I'm not, seen Chris Zapata in the room just yet. |
| 00:13:50.79 | Jill Hoffman | Okay. I thought I saw him. If you could hang out a second, you guys, I thought I saw him. Come in. |
| 00:13:59.34 | Alice Merrill | Thank you. |
| 00:13:59.36 | Shelby Van Meter | And |
| 00:14:12.49 | Jill Hoffman | I saw him come up on the screen, but I guess he's not here. So we'll go ahead and start. |
| 00:14:16.91 | Walfred Solorzano | Thank you. |
| 00:14:16.99 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:14:17.26 | Walfred Solorzano | Mayor, it appears as Mr. Zapata just came in. |
| 00:14:21.04 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, Chris, recap, Chris, I noted for closed session that we did your performance review. It was a positive review. that we're instituting an annual review going forward. And this was your six month review and we'll do another your annual review. Review will be in another six months, be the first year at your at your first year mark. Anything else you want to add? |
| 00:14:46.75 | Chris Zapata | I just want to thank everybody in Sausalito for their welcome. I want to thank all the people that I work with for their hard work. and I want to thank the council for their leadership. |
| 00:14:57.82 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. Thank you for all your hard work. Um, Okay. So Those are... open session or closed session comments. And so our next item on the agenda is approval is approval of the agenda. Do I have a motion and a second to approve the agenda? |
| 00:15:17.03 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | I'll make a motion, but I did have a suggestion, which is on our business items. We have the library department overview, which we had had to push off for former meetings. So I agree that should go first. The second one was the update on the Dorothy Gibson house. And then the third was the Bank of America. And I understand we have people here to give a presentation on that. I was wondering if we could move the Dorothy Gibson to the end of the... Items four and here the Bank of America as our second item. |
| 00:15:46.57 | Jill Hoffman | Yeah, anybody have an objection to that? Okay, so listen, Minette, I was going to do suggest another amendment that we hear public comment for both the mayor and the vice mayor At one time, in other words, we call item four 4E, which is mayor and 4F, which is vice mayor I'm not sure. We'll make motions separately, but we hear public comment at one shot. Is that okay with everybody? |
| 00:16:10.58 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | the motions on the board. |
| 00:16:16.64 | Jill Hoffman | That's good. |
| 00:16:16.82 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | guys. |
| 00:16:17.50 | Jill Hoffman | Okay. |
| 00:16:17.63 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | And then we'd hear that Dorothy Gibson after 4F. Thank you. |
| 00:16:21.84 | Jill Hoffman | Um... No, let's hear it before that, because I know that there are some people that are interested in that. So yeah, before forever. |
| 00:16:29.02 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | after for us. |
| 00:16:29.82 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:16:30.21 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | I was just suggesting it might get late tonight, given the other stuff and we should hear it last, up to other Maybe we can just do a time check. |
| 00:16:42.17 | Jill Hoffman | Yeah. Is that okay? Yeah, is that okay everybody, we do a time check OK. we might move that around, but we'll hear Okay, everybody. So we're gonna hear library first and then we're gonna hear EDAC. And then we're going to do Um, And then we're going to do Dorothy Gibson. I don't think that Dorothy Gibson has is going to take very long. I think it's going to be fast. So in fact, we have two pieces of written communication, Um, Anyway, so let's go. |
| 00:17:19.75 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, it's a little convoluted for our agenda tonight, but do we all understand what we're going to do? |
| 00:17:26.45 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Yeah, I'm making a motion to approve the agenda. We're gonna hear items 4A, then 4C. At the end of 4C, we'll do a time check and we will hear items 4E and F together for one public comment. Yeah. |
| 00:17:40.00 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:17:40.67 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Okay. |
| 00:17:41.01 | Jill Hoffman | second promotion. |
| 00:17:41.96 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | you |
| 00:17:42.03 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thanks. |
| 00:17:42.68 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | you |
| 00:17:43.00 | Jill Hoffman | Um, Mr. Clerk, could you please call the roll? |
| 00:17:46.50 | Walfred Solorzano | Also, member Sobieski. |
| 00:17:47.80 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:17:47.90 | Walfred Solorzano | Thank you. |
| 00:17:47.98 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:17:48.03 | Walfred Solorzano | you Council member Blasdy. |
| 00:17:50.29 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. |
| 00:17:51.15 | Walfred Solorzano | Council Member Cleveland Knowles. |
| 00:17:52.74 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. |
| 00:17:53.59 | Walfred Solorzano | Vice Mayor Kellman. |
| 00:17:56.99 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. |
| 00:17:57.89 | Walfred Solorzano | Mayor, help me. |
| 00:17:58.78 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. Okay, moving on to our next item. on the agenda. is special presentations. We don't have any special presentations this evening. or mayor announcements. Our next item is the action minutes of the previous meeting. Do we have one, which is December 7th? Do we have a motion? to approve in a second. |
| 00:18:26.44 | Janelle Kellman | I don't have any changes, so I'm happy to make the motion to approve. Second. Mr. Clerk, could you please? |
| 00:18:32.04 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:18:32.23 | Janelle Kellman | you |
| 00:18:32.40 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:18:32.97 | Walfred Solorzano | Council member Sobieski? Councilman Blaustein. |
| 00:18:37.98 | Jill Hoffman | Hold on a second guys. Hold on. I forgot to open that item up for public comments. Sorry. um all right so before we take the roll um i'm going to open up the item two on our agenda which is action minutes of the previous meeting for public comment |
| 00:18:52.36 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, it does look like we have one hand raised and that's Chris Gallagher. Chris, you've been unmuted and asked to share your video. |
| 00:19:04.61 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:19:04.63 | Chris Gallagher | Yeah. |
| 00:19:04.64 | Jill Hoffman | Um, |
| 00:19:04.95 | Chris Gallagher | Thank you. I don't, I'm sorry, I'm too early. I didn't, I don't have public comment on this. Sorry. |
| 00:19:13.32 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, very good. All right, very well. I don't see any hands up, so... Now I will close public comment. And now, Mr. Clerk, if you could please take the role. |
| 00:19:24.91 | Walfred Solorzano | Council member Sobieski. Yes. Council member Blomstein. |
| 00:19:29.23 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. |
| 00:19:30.04 | Walfred Solorzano | Council Member Cleveland-Noll. |
| 00:19:31.76 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. |
| 00:19:32.66 | Walfred Solorzano | Vice Mayor Kelman. |
| 00:19:33.87 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. |
| 00:19:34.18 | Walfred Solorzano | Thank you. Mayor Hoffman. |
| 00:19:35.59 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. |
| 00:19:39.20 | Jill Hoffman | Okay. Moving on to our next item, which is consent calendar items. Okay, item three on our consent calendar. Matters listed under the consent calendar are considered routine and non-controversial, require no discussion, are expected to have unanimous council support It may be enacted by the council in one motion. There will be no separate discussion of consent calendar items. However, before the council votes on a motion to adopt the consent calendar items, Council members, city staff, or members of the public may request that specific items be removed from the consent calendar for separate actions. Items removed from the consent calendar, excuse me, will be discussed later on the agenda. and public comment will be heard will be heard on any item that was removed from the consent calendar. requires. OK, there are six items on our consent calendar night. 3A is 2019 mudslide FEMA reimbursement. Item 3B is a resolution of the city manager Resolution authorizing city manager to execute second amendment, professional services agreement with Parisi Transportation for the Nevada Street Rehabilitation. PAYBEND MARKING. and signing project in an additional amount of $29,850. C3C is adopted resolution to continue conducting the city's City Council and all other cities board commissions committee meetings remotely due to health and safety concerns for the public 3D is adopt a resolution approving the city's publicly available pay schedule effective January 1, 2022. Three E is adopt a resolution authorizing the city manager to approve the sole source purchase order with Owen Equipment Inc to repair the public works sanitary vector truck at a cost of $35,000, $293.43 and authorize a contingency of 4,706,000 dollars and 57 cents for a not to exceed amount of $40,000. And 3F is authorize the allocation of a reserve of reserve funds to support the Sauslio ferry landslide improvement project phase two and an additional amount of $185,000. I'm not sure. And at this point, I will open public comment on consent, the consent calendar. |
| 00:22:01.14 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, I see no hands raised for this particular item. |
| 00:22:05.58 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, good. Thank you. Then I'll close public comment for a consent calendar. And I will ask if there's a motion and a second to approve the consent calendar. I see there's a hand up with council member Cleveland Knowles, go ahead. |
| 00:22:17.83 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Yeah, thank you, Mayor Huffman. I don't want to take anything off of consent, but I had one comment and one question. My one comment is on item 3A, the mudslide FEMA reimbursement. I thought that this was an incredibly disheartening staff report. It is a lot of money and the fact that we were denied based purely on what sounded like a mistake with the state not submitting our application timely. is really distressing. So I would like to echo, I think former mayor and councilmember Joe Burns wrote in and suggested that we work very diligently to elevate this, not only through the appeals channels, but also through our elected representatives. he suggested reaching out to Congressman Huffman, who has been very involved with this in the past, I would support that. In addition to our state representatives to address the issue, it sounds like from the staff report with the California entity. So I would you know, unless there's some objection, I would love to direct staff and, to do that outreach. My second issue was just a question with 3F, the Ferry Landslide Improvement Project. The alternative section leaves it slightly unclear as to whether We are securing professional services consultant Or it says an alternative would be to hire one firm who would manage all of the consultants. And are we just delegating that decision to the city manager or is there a path forward, it mentions SWA in there, but that's in the alternative section. I just wasn't clear if we're hiring a specific entity, if we're hiring staff or exactly what we're to do, I'm fine with the amount. That's something we've talked about before. fine with the scope. I just wasn't sure what the next step is. So I see our director of public work says, Thank you. |
| 00:24:31.55 | Jill Hoffman | Yeah. Yeah. Go ahead, Director McGowan. |
| 00:24:35.55 | Kevin McGowan | Good evening, Mayor, members of the City Council. Thank you for the question, Councilwoman Cleveland Knowles. I think at this point, the intent of the staff report was just to set aside funding specifically for this type of project. I don't think we've gotten into the details yet of whether we want to go with one consultant or not. We haven't sent out an RFP either way. We would like to explore that alternative to see if it's more viable at this point, unless our city manager has some other thoughts from his previous experiences as well. But we simply want to set aside the money for it and move forward with the project. |
| 00:25:13.94 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Okay, thank you. So this is just a number that will be reflected in our mid year budget adjustments and then the exact. Staffing will be decided later. |
| 00:25:23.98 | Kevin McGowan | Yes, ma'am. |
| 00:25:24.59 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Okay, perfect. So unless there's other people have comments, I'd make a motion to approve the consent calendar. |
| 00:25:30.90 | Janelle Kellman | Can I ask one clarification to Susan, Councilman Cleveland Mills' question. This is for Kevin again. So Kevin, in the question on the alternatives about who might manage it, Are we going to RFP that or this is going to be handled internally? |
| 00:25:45.78 | Kevin McGowan | I think my intent is to discuss it with our city manager as well as the local professionals group to see what's going to be the quickest. We kind of have a time crunch here. We've got to get going on this thing and get it ready for a ballot measure. And so I'm looking at what's the fastest method to do this. So I don't really have a clear answer for you yet. I'm sorry about that. But I'd like to explore both alternatives. |
| 00:26:10.37 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. Thank you. Can I answer your question? Yes, thank you. Okay, good. So motion on the table, is there a second? |
| 00:26:16.33 | Walfred Solorzano | I can. |
| 00:26:17.54 | Jill Hoffman | Mr. Clerk, could you please call the roll? |
| 00:26:20.07 | Walfred Solorzano | Council member Sobieski? |
| 00:26:21.61 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. |
| 00:26:22.65 | Walfred Solorzano | Councilmember Blasdene? |
| 00:26:24.27 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:26:25.20 | Walfred Solorzano | Council Member Cleveland Knowles. |
| 00:26:26.84 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. |
| 00:26:27.80 | Walfred Solorzano | Vice Mayor Kellman. |
| 00:26:29.07 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. |
| 00:26:29.71 | Walfred Solorzano | Mayor Hoffman. |
| 00:26:31.01 | Jill Hoffman | Yes, so motion passes unanimously. Moving on to our business items. Our first, I'm delighted to say, is our library department overview. It's always a great pleasure to hear from our librarian, all of our departments, but all We have no favorites, but I'm happy to hear from Abbott about the great work that he does with as our city librarian and director of communications. |
| 00:26:54.09 | Abbott | Thank you, Madam Mayor and good evening members of the council. I will share my screen and start my presentation. |
| 00:27:07.07 | Abbott | And can you see that okay? |
| 00:27:08.40 | Jill Hoffman | Yes, yes, great, thank you. |
| 00:27:10.11 | Abbott | Great. Well, I'm happy to be here this evening to present a library department overview. And as far as what I'll be covering, I'm going to start by talking about the library's core values. Then I'll talk about our current staffing, COVID impacts, how COVID has impacted library services. I'll talk about our current status as far as our budget and our hours and services. And I'll conclude by looking forward through the remainder of fiscal year 21-22 and beyond. At the end, I'll be happy to take any questions, and I'm actually happy to answer questions during the presentation also. So I'll talk about four core values. For the Sausalito Library, the first one I'll talk about is equity and inclusion. The Sausalito Library is a welcoming space that's open to everyone. We've long been thought of as the community living room, and that's something we always aspire to. There's no cost to sit in a comfy chair and read, to attend a library program, to use our computers or our Wi-Fi. It's a wonderful place to visit. We do also have a collection that represents a diversity of perspectives, experiences, and identities, and one that we continually evaluate and improve. And as an equity measure over the past few years, we have phased out overdue fines, which disproportionately affect those that are least able to pay them. A second core value is shared resources. In addition to our living room space, we also have a collection of approximately 45,000 items that's complemented by large collections of digital resources, e-audiobooks, e-books, streaming movies, and we also provide free access to newspapers, national and local papers accessible from home. South City Library is part of the Marinnet Consortium It means that if you are a Sausalito library card holder, you can also borrow materials from any other library in Marin and have them sent here to Sausalito. That's five city libraries plus the county library, College of Marin, and Dominican University. And then we're also a member of the LUT Plus Consortium, which provides our users with access to another 10 million items from public and university libraries across the state. Lifeline learning is another core value. It starts with helping to develop a love of reading and the young people who use the library and attend our programs, borrow books from us. And that continues on up through the life cycle, providing resources that entertain, inspire, and broaden horizons for people of all ages. Last but not least, we're about building community. Thank you. And this is true of our welcoming space. We have a staff that strives to make connections with people in the community and really values the contacts and the connections that they have and look to go the extra mile in providing services. We also build community through our programs, our kids programs that bring parents and kids together and our programs for adults like the photo you see here where we typically try to have presenters who are part of the community themselves. And in bringing people together, we're also giving people a chance to get to know, learn from their fellow residents or people living in the local area. So how are we doing? In the most recent community survey, which was in 2018, library was found to be the most favorably regarded city department. Similar survey was conducted in 2014, with the library also coming out as the most favorably regarded department. Now I'll move to talk about the library's organization. The top two rows on the slide here are regular full-time positions. Starting with myself as the city librarian and director of communications. So it's a position that shares responsibilities across departments. I suppose communications you probably think of as an administrative function. Then moving down to the second level, our assistant city librarian, Augie Webb, who's a real asset to our community and has been with the library for 15 years or almost 15 years. We have a new children's librarian, Michi Ramos. We'll have an article in Currents either this week or next week, introducing them to the community. But I can already tell that Michi is going to be a fantastic addition to the city staff and will make a real difference in the community. We have two open positions, the senior library assistant position, which is essentially our circulation supervisor. That's a position that's basically been open since July, or actually since late June. Rebecca Bergen went on maternity leave then. We had thought that she would be returning hopefully in November or December, but she decided to not come back to her job. And so that's an open position that we have and we'll be looking to open that position for hiring this month. We also have an Open Library Assistant 2 position. That position has been open for over a year. And I'll talk a little bit more about that later in the presentation. We also then on the lower runs here have our hourly reference librarians and hourly library assistants, as well as our volunteers. And these folks have been tremendous in helping us keep the library open with the staffing challenges that we've had and all the curveballs that COVID has been throwing us. So let's talk a little bit more about COVID. As you recall, in March of 2020, we essentially went into a full shutdown mode. So for a couple of months, we were limited to our regular library staff providing virtual services. In June of 2020, we're able to begin offering curbside service where people could pick up library materials from the City Hall parking lot. And that's a picture of the tent that we have in the parking lot. COVID required us to jump through a lot of hoops and made staff really test their creativity. This was the quarantine zone that we set up. The advice of the State Library was to quarantine materials for 72 hours before they were put back in circulation. So we had to develop a system where anything that came back to the library was in a bin and waited until we could check it in and process it. During the time that our doors were closed, we were offering virtual programs. This is a screenshot from the Zoom program that we did with the Historical Society about Joseph James and union discrimination at the Marineship shipyards. In April of 2021, we were able to reopen our doors again for the first time in a year. And that was a very exciting time for us. We opened at the early stages there without any tables or chairs. So people were just able to come in and browse and not hang around. But by July of 2021, we were adding more open hours and had brought back our tables and chairs and the public computers. But of course, with the mask mandate in effect, We've continued to expand our hours as this fiscal year has continued. And at present, we're open seven days a week for a total of 42 hours. And that includes the four hours that were open on Fridays just for curbside service. As far as the services that we're offering, we are basically offering all of our core services at this time, with the exception of our programs, which have always been a huge part of the Sausageo Library since I've been here, and a huge emphasis. So though services have largely resumed, there is that gap waiting to be filled. Looking at the library's budget for 21-22, the council put the library on a path to a return to pre-COVID service levels. Thank you very much, city council. And I also though wish that we were truly post-COVID at this time. You know, we're still in the middle of this pandemic and still making decisions here at the library based on what's happening with COVID and with Omicron. But as far as our budget, we are tracking most likely to come in under budget for this year. The line item there that you see for professional services is largely spent to date because our Marinnet dues, so to be part of the Marinnet consortium, we pay about $65,000 at the beginning of the fiscal year. I'll also call out under other funding sources, the Friends of the Library grants. The Friends of the Library will be contributing about $50,000 to the library this year after similar contributions in recent years as well. $30,000 of that includes purchases that they have made for the school libraries at the Willow Creek and Bayside MLK campuses of the Sausalito-Moran City School District. So they have made a huge difference in the quality of the school library collections there. Looking at our service metrics and comparing Q2 of 2019-20 with the most recent quarter, in 2021, you'll see that we're open about two-thirds of the hours that we were pre-COVID. Our circulation is also about two-thirds of what it was. Interestingly, electronic resource circulation has almost doubled. Thank you. though perhaps not surprisingly given that people are spending more time at home and accessing resources that way. And looking at in-person visits, you know, we're down by a factor of three in terms of people coming into the library. That's from our people counter at the doors. Internet station usage way down as well. And I think what we'll be looking towards for these coming months, presuming that the COVID situation continues to improve, is how these numbers rebound and what where we kind of level out as far as how busy we are, how many people are coming into the library, and that will help inform decisions we make about hours and services. |
| 00:38:59.45 | Abbott | So what's coming in 2022? School support is very high on our list. It's a big priority for us to see that the new unified schools in our community succeed. So Mishi, our new children's librarian, will be spending a significant amount of their time supporting the schools, probably spending at least a day, a week, actually on site at the school library or in classrooms providing support. The first programs that will likely begin offering in person will be outdoor story times. Before Omicron there were a couple of Marin libraries that began offering outdoor story times that were very successful. And so that's something that's on Michy's list. And then sometime later in 2022, I do hope that we'll be able to start offering indoor programs. We'll start small, particularly with adult programs, and just see how comfortable people are returning to in-person events and sitting together in an interior space. Looking also at our hours, our next step that we've been planning and originally planning to to do in this month was to expand our evening hours to keep the library open until seven o'clock in addition to adding Friday hours for in-person services, in addition to our curbside service. At this point, we're going to wait and see with Omicron before we make any changes. But to the point of hours, we are thinking that it may be enough for us to open until 7, to keep open to 7 and not return to our pre-COVID hours of Monday through Tuesday being open until nine o'clock. Those were never our most busy hours. And we'll do some surveying and track how we're doing, but it's possible that we'll be able to generate savings and be able to continue offering the same level of service to the community by trimming some of the hours where we've been least busy. As I said, we'll be posting for our senior library assistant position to fill that role. Augie Webb and I have been performing that function for the past six months, but there's no doubt that we're really missing having someone who has their hands on the circulation function for the library and is in control of that department. And then last but not least, the library assistant to position and the question of whether we we hire as we were budgeted to hire the person later this fiscal year, or whether we wait or whether we think about other alternatives, possibly having a halftime position instead of a full-time position. I'll conclude with some other future considerations. I believe that there are other opportunities for shared services within the Marinnet Consortium. You know we do benefit considerably from being part of Marinnet, which is one of the oldest shared services agreements in Marin. But I believe that there are opportunities for additional savings and efficiencies in areas like collection development and some staffing positions or some roles that staff play. We'll be looking at new services. Mishi comes to us with lots of new ideas, and new services may come with that. Other things we've been talking about, for example, are a library of things where we may start circulating items like a bocce set or a paper shredder or a water leak detector, things that people often don't own themselves but would like to use and try out. On City Hall and Library Accessibility, the Sometime within the next few years, I expect that we will address some accessibility impediments within the library, particularly the width of our shelves in the adult and fiction and nonfiction sections. They're too close together and need to be widened. And at that time, that we would have, we'll be tearing out all of the shelves in the library. We'll be looking at other things that we might want to do to better meet the community needs for services, particularly as we emerge from COVID and see how the demand for services is changing. And last but not least, it's not too soon to think about if and when I depart from my role as city librarian and how the position would be handled. You know, for example, would we want to continue to have it as a dual position of the city librarian and director of communications? Would we want to go to a community services model where you have a single director responsible for both the library and the Parks and Recreation Department. That's a model that has apparently been successful in Center Fell and the Larkspur, for example. And that concludes my presentation. And I'll just leave you with a slide with another example of library building community. This is a scene during the presentation power shut off a couple years ago where we opened up the library as a charging center and probably busiest I have ever seen it. And it's wonderful also to have a space where we can be flexible and adaptable and provide that kind of service to the community as well. |
| 00:44:50.92 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you, Abbott. Excuse me for that. wonderful presentation of all that you do for our community and all of the library and your team does for our community. Do we have any questions from the council on Director Abbott's presentation. Um, Okay, so I see hands up from going across my screen, Vice Mayor. Council member Sobieski and council member Blaustein. |
| 00:45:21.01 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. |
| 00:45:22.34 | Jill Hoffman | Go ahead, Wysen. |
| 00:45:23.34 | Janelle Kellman | I'll go ahead and thank you so much. I'm not surprised that our librarian and director of communications provided such a succinct, easy to follow presentation, but I want to commend you on it. So thank you for that. I had three questions. One was about some of the additional programs you had mentioned. So you had a bullet on there for school support. Another bullet on there for outdoor story times. I'm wondering if you could describe both in a bit more detail, particularly the school program, I'm wondering. |
| 00:45:54.10 | Abbott | Yeah, the schools were in the early stages of that. Mishi met with the library director, the branch director over at the Marin City Library, who also provides support for the schools. So we're really at a phase right now where we're trying to find out how we can, what support we can provide, how we can best plug in to what's being done right now. It may be, you know, actually just sort of being working in the libraries there and helping out. Another thing that's been talked about has been getting involved in doing information literacy training, which I think would be hugely important in the schools. So, well, it's an evolving question. And I think what we're really trying to position ourselves as, you know, we have skills, we're here to help. How can we provide the most benefit? And in an environment where Um, you know, we're seeing fewer kids coming into the library This is an opportunity to go where the kids are and provide support directly. |
| 00:47:08.92 | Janelle Kellman | All right. Yeah, that sounds like the answer to the outdoor story times as well. I'm also wondering if there's a way to combine our beautiful updated parks with an outdoor story time in a rotating park scenario. |
| 00:47:09.92 | Jill Hoffman | Yeah. |
| 00:47:21.19 | Janelle Kellman | And this is my last question though, was about Marin net and shared services. So I have one of the things you do so well on behalf of the community is connect the dots on a variety of things. And one of the initiatives I think this council's interested in is using technology to facilitate and streamline some processes. Do you think there might be some |
| 00:47:25.11 | Unknown | So, absolutely. |
| 00:47:38.96 | Janelle Kellman | lessons learned around Marinette. I'm a huge fan of Marinette. There's some lessons learned that we could extend to other departments. I want to put you on the spot to spitball it right now, but if you do, I'd be interested in that conversation in the future. |
| 00:47:55.41 | Abbott | Yeah, I mean, just some quick thoughts. Where I think we benefit the most is, and this is what Marina was started, the reason Marina was started in the first place was a shared catalog and a shared integrated library system. And we do see that, you know, in Parks and Recreation, for example, and, you know, in Public Works, that every city is singly developing their own program registration platform, their own fix it, click it, fix it, application, you know, are these kinds of things that we could work together with other cities to develop rather than each doing it in our own silos. |
| 00:48:40.99 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. |
| 00:48:41.01 | Jill Hoffman | Exactly right. Okay. Thank you. I'll follow for you on that. Thanks, Councilmember Sobieski. |
| 00:48:47.15 | Ian Sobieski | Thank you, Mayor. My question, thank you for the great presentation. and congratulations to you and the whole department. My simple question is you said that there were something like $10,000 of visitors, you think, in the last quarter. |
| 00:48:57.72 | Unknown | $10,000. |
| 00:49:00.75 | Ian Sobieski | I forgot if that was in the quarter, but if you could just tell me, is there any way, I don't think you have this number of that cohort, But do we know how many unique visitors that constitutes? |
| 00:49:12.36 | Abbott | We don't. And, you know, the people counter is a pretty blunt instrument. You know, it's just counting people who come in and out. So it can't differentiate between someone who comes in to pick up a book from the library and someone who's been using their computer in the library all day and going back and forth to the bathroom. So the data that we can pull out around unique usage has more to do with how people are using their library cards and how many unique uses of a library card there are. Our pre-COVID number for unique use of a library card during a quarter tended to be around 1,600 residents. It's dropped down, but not as much as I might have thought. It was down at about 1,400 for this past quarter. |
| 00:50:02.47 | Ian Sobieski | Thank you very much. |
| 00:50:05.13 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:50:05.49 | Melissa Blaustein | Councilman Blasting. Thanks Abbott for that amazing presentation and for all of the great work that the library has done, especially in the last two very difficult years for our community. I know we all really appreciate you. And to that end, I know how much you do as Director of Communications, but I think it might be helpful for the community for you to just I mean, I know you redesigned the entire website and you do currents and you oversee our tech. Could you just kind of give some of the bullets of what that role entails in addition to the library work as well for the benefit of if everyone doesn't know just how involved you are beyond just the library itself. |
| 00:50:41.01 | Abbott | Sure. On a week to week basis, most of my energy goes into currents and then, you know, on disseminating the information in currents out to social media and to the city's website. did lead the development of the city's website a few years ago. Most of the ongoing maintenance happens in other departments with me just providing support. So that at least is a load off of my shoulders. But the X Factor is always those urgent events, the mudslides, the power shutoffs, any kind of other weather events and you know in those instances I really I need to be on call and prepared to send out a special current, post updates on the website. And you know as with the power shutoffs and the library being a you know hospitality center provided It's really interesting how much synergy there is between the city librarian role and the director of communications role, both in terms of serving the community and informing the community, but also in terms of having this space that can be used and fits into the communications that we're doing. |
| 00:52:10.56 | Melissa Blaustein | Thanks, heaven. |
| 00:52:11.96 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. |
| 00:52:13.03 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:52:13.14 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. |
| 00:52:13.25 | Jill Hoffman | Councilmember |
| 00:52:14.07 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | and the |
| 00:52:14.24 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 00:52:15.52 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Yeah, just to follow up on council member Blastine's point and what, Abbott was just speaking about. I do just want to call out Abbott as the director of communications for the unbelievable work he did during the COVID emergency. Not to belittle his other work on other emergencies, but that was a long haul. It was a marathon and not a sprint. And I thought our communication here in Sausalito was just so clear. very measured. very calm and very thorough. And I think it really provided we didn't have that actual space together in the library, but it was kind of like reading a fireside chat or just provided the information but at a non Um, panicked or, you know, just a clear and concise way. Abbott, that really, it was a lot of work and it was a lot of work over a long period of time. Thank you for that. Trying to go through the Omicron things on the county's website right now, I kind of feel like get your summer because it's just very confusing right now. But anyway, thank you for that. And then the only other comment I'll make. I know we're not willing to comment, but is I love the idea of the library of things. um, I visited some friends in Tacoma Park, Maryland years ago, and they had a lending center for, you know, hand lawnmowers and just all these kind of things that you just never want to buy for yourself that you use like once every three months. And it was such a fantastic and sustainable. a thing. So anything that I would just like to add my support for that proposal. |
| 00:54:04.72 | Unknown | Right, thanks. |
| 00:54:06.48 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. |
| 00:54:06.49 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. I echo all and Um, All right. So at this point, then I open up for public comment on this item. |
| 00:54:22.04 | Jill Hoffman | Mr. Clerk, are you seeing any hands up? |
| 00:54:25.02 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, there are no hands raised for this item. |
| 00:54:28.80 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | We'll have some of our library trustees here. |
| 00:54:32.53 | Jill Hoffman | I'm sure that they all agree with all of the blowing comments that we just made. And so thank you. Okay, now I'm going to close public comment and I don't think we're going to need, do we need any further council discussion? or direction, I don't believe so. Thank you so much Abbott for this wonderful presentation, all of your hard work, we certainly appreciate it. |
| 00:54:53.20 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 00:54:53.96 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. Okay, next agenda item. So we are going to... Move on now to Bank of America. And we're going to hear a presentation on that update on where we are with that. and then have a time check after 4C. And I would like to go back to 4B and just just I think it's gonna be fairly quick, so then we can move on to our the big, the big show of the night, selection of the new Mayor and vice mayor. which is really what everybody's here for. |
| 00:55:27.04 | Unknown | which is really wonderful. |
| 00:55:28.76 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, so let's go to Let's go to Bank of America. that I think Ian and I are going to be giving the presentation on that. Ian and I are the working group for Bank of America. Is that right, City Manager Zapata? that, Council member Sobieski and are going to be managing that presentation. I think that's correct. Okay, I'm just going to dive in. So Ian and I have been on the working group for this. You may recall that the council back in 2000, 19 purchased in the sorry, 2020 in August of 2020, purchased the Bank of America building. The purchase price was about 2.2 million all in. The idea was that the city was getting a great deal on it, that we didn't want to let this opportunity pass. and we purchased the building. And so the idea was for the working group, which we formed last year, last January, I think, Um, two. determine what you know, we had some criteria and that we were looking at Ian and I were looking at, but also The idea was that we, we put out a request for information. So instead of it's not RFPs we're looking at, and we vetted RFIs, which are requests for information and basically requests for concepts for use of the building. The main points for the concepts were that it's community serving. Um, that it would be financially positive revenue positive and a benefit to the city. and that it would be resident serving and that it would enhance that area of downtown. |
| 00:57:16.32 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 00:57:16.84 | Jill Hoffman | the The guidelines for us as a working group were to build on those and expand those in our analysis and recommendation back to the city council. after vetting the different RFIs that we got. I think six or seven responses RFIs and they're attached to the agenda. So should anybody wanna go back and look at all of those RFIs, You're welcome to. Ian and I narrowed it down to two, and then we narrowed it down to one that we thought was the top the top. the top candidate based on all other criteria that we were looking at. So some of the criteria we looked at was the, track record of executing projects, the compatibility of the proposed idea with the underlying zoning and the intent of the purpose of downtown, the time between execution of a lease and being able to pay a rent sufficient to cover or exceed the financing costs with additional revenues through whatever use of the building. Um, would generate, excuse me, the expected tenant improvements, the city might be required to pay the impacts to circulation or use of the area. the extent to which the ideas promoted a civic mission in the downtown that would be embraced and celebrated by residents. And the extent to which the idea amplified or built upon the cultural identity of Sausalito. It wasn't just about money. It was about impacts and it was about how this building would serve our community was in the financial position of it. So these were the things that Ian and I looked at um, Ian, would you like to We settled on a concept called the Saucyos Center for the Arts. And we invited them tonight to make a presentation Keep in mind, this is just the culmination of our request for ideas. And it's sort of culmination of the vetting that Ian and I did with regard to this, these different projects. We're not, you're not, voting on a concept tonight, what you're doing is giving us feedback and direction on how to proceed with, moving forward with putting together a deal, which will then come back to the city council for a vote. Okay. that in full transparency we wanted to make sure everybody understood what we were doing our thought process as we move through this this this process and then, and keeping the community involved. And so Ian, if you have any, Yeah. I'm sure you do. |
| 00:59:55.50 | Ian Sobieski | Thank you. Well, no, thank you, Ed. I thought that was pretty, that was complete. Again, just to level set, we have an OMIT committee that manages most of the city's real estate, but the city council chose to not have this project go through OMIT, but rather be a special working group of the mayor and I. because it's a special building in a special part of town. And, uh, to eat. request for ideas as opposed to proposals was leaving open the possibility Now we get exactly what we got, which is a wide range of different kinds of ideas, some that are very easy to execute in the near term, and others that are substantial redevelopment projects. And so if you look at the, and I invite everyone to look at all the ideas submitted, Um, You will see many that have features that You might love them or hate them, but they're substantial and definitely innovative. and, uh, But those ideas definitely require a different process than just the mayor and I looking at them. What we settled on was an idea that actually captured a lot of what we felt everyone was looking for, which is an ability to use the building more or less as is soon. The Center for the Arts promises to be able to start paying rent very soon and their tenant improvements are very modest. The proposal agrees that the city would not take any burden on paying for any tenant improvements. And it anticipates being able to pay rent to cover our mortgage costs. For me personally, what was most exciting though is that it actually really hits the nail on the head about the idea of a public-private partnership that is aligned with Sausalito's um, government's mission of Being able to do what the private sector can't which is invest in a civic purpose like promoting the arts Sausalito is famous for its arts It thinks of itself as an artistic community. We have the South City Art Festival as an independent organization that happens once a year the center for the arts has the possibility to really anchor uh activity in the heart of downtown and provide a space by the way that is, that serves both that purpose and also could be potentially used for civic purposes put on by the city. So I don't want to re go over the presentation that the centre itself can make. I can save my other comments for our discussion period. But at the end of the day, the criteria that the mayor laid out, the seven criteria, this one scored the best in balance on all those criteria. That all said, I hope that everyone will start We'll take the ideas that are there and let them germinate. And of course, you know, our recommendation is to proceed with negotiating a lease with this group. but we want feedback if that's what the City Council wants us to do. and if they do, what kinds of terms are important. If they don't, what the alternative is that they propose. But to make just moving forward here, we did invite the team here, and they're able and willing to present for 10 minutes and then questions and answers. |
| 01:03:12.50 | Jill Hoffman | So if I see council member blasting your hands up, is it okay if we go ahead and do the presentation and then do questions afterwards or? |
| 01:03:19.37 | Melissa Blaustein | Well, I had some questions just about the process, but because I think the staff recommendation was to proceed with the presentation, but we have to talk about if we're going to do that or not as a group. I had a couple of questions about the process |
| 01:03:30.14 | Unknown | No. |
| 01:03:31.66 | Melissa Blaustein | And I really appreciate all of the great work that you two have put into this and the amount of time and also really excited about the Sausalito Center for the Arts proposal and the community engagement and input and, I also think there were six proposals and there's a robust group of them. And I really know there's a lot of members of the community who wanted to have some input and an opportunity to weigh in. And so, I would love to see the presentation from the Sausalito Center for the Arts. I'm really excited about it, but at the same time, I'd also like to see an opportunity for perhaps a top three presentation and more community input as opposed to limiting it to just one before the full council, just so that there is a lot of opportunity for folks to really see and hear and give feedback and get the best of each of the proposals and integrated into whatever we decide to do moving forward. And I also Well, maybe you can speak to that first, then I have a couple of other questions too, but I'll stop it. |
| 01:04:28.89 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. I'll let Ian, do you want to address that in the process? |
| 01:04:32.42 | Ian Sobieski | Yeah, well, you know, looking at the presentations, the two, you can pick which three you'd like, but the two that seem most viable are number two and number three choice. We're both substantial redevelopment projects. They involve substantial construction in that area, eliminating lot two in both circumstances, adding on substantial stories to the building. I don't see. I thought that the direction of the council was to avoid exactly that and not put you in the position of picking among the six and that's why we were assigned to that then lay out a process for selecting among them. Absolutely. That's why we're here is to get this kind of feedback. So if the Council has a different way they want to proceed, would like to proceed differently, then of course we can. |
| 01:05:19.40 | Jill Hoffman | Okay. Councilor Blousting, your hand is still up. Was that your question or do you have another question? |
| 01:05:25.04 | Melissa Blaustein | Well, I'd be curious what other Council members thought about that before, just in terms of from a process standpoint. if we're okay with just moving forward with the one, or if we, we also got a great letter of correspondence from Joe Burns about an additional criteria piece. And I just think the criteria you've established is great, but there's more we can include. Like for instance, I'm really, I think that we all agree that one of the priorities of the council has been diversity, equity and inclusion. And I would like to see some emphasis on that as a criteria in the proposal, for instance. So just something to consider. |
| 01:05:33.80 | Unknown | Right. |
| 01:05:56.19 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, well, I tell you what, why don't we, unless there's an objection, why don't we go ahead and hear the proposal from the art center so that we, you know, you have that before you, if that's okay or not, I see two more hands up, the council members, vice mayor Councilman Cleveland Knowles. |
| 01:06:13.42 | Janelle Kellman | I'm not sure. |
| 01:06:14.99 | Jill Hoffman | Go ahead, Vice Mayor. |
| 01:06:16.09 | Janelle Kellman | Oh, well, thank you. And thank you guys for, I mean, these were wonderful. projects, all of them unique in their own way and gave you guys very thoughtful and your selection and your analysis and So I really very much appreciate that and bringing it forward. I am intrigued by Council Member Blassey's suggestion that we maybe narrow it down to three I think maybe the reason for that might be to help the community understand some of the, the trade-offs between some of them. So if one asks for a low market rate, but another one doesn't. Why would we pick one over the other. And I think just having that transparent process might, might be helpful. I think we've put Probably. Gosh, I think it was like $350,000 already in mortgage payments. So we've already been out of pocket and it would be nice to understand how we might be able to recoup. some of that, and since we've already done the work, I do find that to be an interesting proposal I would frankly love to learn more and read more. So that's what occurs to me. I think there was also some questions I had sent over to the council before the meeting around tenant improvements. And so that was something that I was interested in and council members Sobieski mentioned it slightly. but I'd be interested in kind of hearing how The proposals were weighed because one of the highlights for me is the rooftop bar, but that also is going to be an extensive build out. So then I start to get a little lost in the trade-offs and I appreciate guidance on that. |
| 01:07:51.12 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thanks. Councillor Cleland-Holst. |
| 01:07:55.39 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thanks. So I am fully supportive of moving ahead tonight with the presentation. While I understand Council Member Blasstein and Vice Mayor Kelman's comments, |
| 01:08:03.49 | Unknown | No. |
| 01:08:06.13 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | My view of the proposals sort of came out where I think the mayor and council member Sobieski did that. There is really one viable proposal that's immediately implementable. It's great. It's includes people, you know, from Sausalito. Obviously, we want to hear more from this group. |
| 01:08:22.23 | Shelby Van Meter | Thank you. |
| 01:08:28.08 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | but that the other two that seemed viable are a much longer term, Very intriguing. I would really like to keep those. I don't think it's mutually exclusive to move forward with the proposal, at least as I understand it. that's in front of us tonight, and then also be looking at these much longer term, things that will take years and years of review by the Planning Commission, EDAC and others. I'm excited that we have a viable proposal. I, as I've said at other council members, I've been anxiously awaiting moving forward so that we can start making use of this really critical key space. It's very, You know, it was great to see it activated over the holidays, but really want to get it activated. So I'm just I really would like to move forward. I also would like to say to the public comment, There have been. of tons of EDAC meetings on this subject, or at least there were when we were gonna purchase it. We had multiple city council members, oh, sorry, council meetings. And we have, and there have been a lot of current articles And frankly, not. you know, we did a survey, we got a lot of great response, but not a lot of pushback on the direction that we're going. So I take that as a, positive sign that we're responding to what the community was hoping to see there. |
| 01:09:52.24 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. So at this point, I'm going to ask that we move forward with the presentation. And then we will come back. We'll open up for public comment and then we'll come back to city council for discussion and direction. So Mr. Clerk, do you understand who we're going to, who's going to present? I believe it was Miss Tom Riley and |
| 01:10:18.95 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, we'll go ahead and co-host Mr. Riley. |
| 01:10:23.39 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thanks so much. |
| 01:10:29.50 | Jill Hoffman | And while you're setting it up, thanks to that team for putting together your presentation. and, um, a short time period, so we appreciate it. |
| 01:10:40.77 | Abbott | Uh, |
| 01:10:42.03 | Jill Hoffman | They are. All right, so if I could introduce Tom Riley, former city council member and, chair of EDAC, and he's here also to present this concept. So go ahead. |
| 01:10:57.76 | Tom Riley | Well, thank you, Mayor Hoffman. I would like to ask the city clerk to actually I'll share the video and unmute Miss Monica Finnegan and Mr. |
| 01:11:06.72 | Unknown | Yeah. |
| 01:11:06.74 | Unknown | and |
| 01:11:08.36 | Tom Riley | Louis Briones. The two of them will be leading the presentation and I'll be providing support through the conversation. So Ms. Monica Finnegan is gonna provide the presentation along with Mr. Louis Briones. |
| 01:11:35.39 | Louis Briones | And actually, this is Louis. I actually have the deck. So if I could be granted Screen share. |
| 01:11:50.11 | Jill Hoffman | Welcome, I see Monica Finnegan has come live. |
| 01:11:54.02 | Monica Finnegan | Bye. |
| 01:11:54.26 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. And I think that's a good thing. Thank you. |
| 01:11:55.68 | Monica Finnegan | And Louis means his his video as well. So let me begin by saying thank you so much for inviting our team to be here tonight. And we're pretty excited about having the opportunity to describe our vision and discuss the Center for the Arts, Sausalito Center for the Arts. We like to call it the place where culture, the arts and the community intersect. And that's been our theme and our theory all along, because we think this building really needs to embrace the entire community and offer art and other forms of utilization. When EDAC was first formed, We determined a need to outreach to a lot of facets of the community and the business and we started organizing some roundtables. We wanted to know how COVID was affecting and what were the stumbling blocks to growth and challenges they were facing with operations and even in some cases with the city. We roundtabled with the restaurants, retailers and merchants, landlords, and we had a nice and informative roundtable with the artist community. They were very pleased to be called upon to give us some insights. Did Lewis get his screen up? |
| 01:13:08.15 | Louis Briones | I am going to screen share now. |
| 01:13:12.20 | Monica Finnegan | Okay. |
| 01:13:12.63 | Jill Hoffman | you |
| 01:13:13.05 | Monica Finnegan | you |
| 01:13:13.12 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 01:13:13.13 | Monica Finnegan | Okay. |
| 01:13:13.52 | Jill Hoffman | you |
| 01:13:13.71 | Monica Finnegan | Thank you. |
| 01:13:13.74 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 01:13:13.79 | Monica Finnegan | you know, |
| 01:13:13.98 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 01:13:14.03 | Monica Finnegan | You guys, |
| 01:13:14.97 | Jill Hoffman | I know. |
| 01:13:15.02 | Monica Finnegan | I can see your, |
| 01:13:15.97 | Jill Hoffman | and the |
| 01:13:16.04 | Monica Finnegan | see your deck now. Okay. Great. And if we can go to the next slide, Ulysses, please. I'm not sure. I think one of the things that we all know is that Sausalito is really known as historic for artists and a well-respected reputation around the arts. We've got countless examples of the things that have been innovated here within the artist community. And next slide. But we learned in our conversation with the artists, there were some 15 in all and some well-represented representatives of the artist community, that though the history was vibrant or is vibrant, the reality is it's really been a difficult time for our artistic culture to be supported. And the support was declining and they were losing ground in a lot of ways. Next slide, please. what some of the problems they were encountering, and this is not news to everybody, but the rents are high. The costs are prohibitive in lots of ways for them to operate and a real venue to showcase their creativity and innovation was not here. And there was really no way to sell their arts or to really celebrate the historic and the current environment that we had with the artists that were here at Sausalito. I think we have more than 150 or 200 involved in our community. Next slide, please. |
| 01:14:51.50 | Monica Finnegan | So after that, conversation. EDAC formed a task force that was centered around discussing the challenges and the brainstorming on the things that we learned from the artists. We brought together John Kunzweiler, who's the president of the ICB Artists Association, Kay Carlson, who's the founder of Marin Open Studios, Louis Briones, of course, who's on this call with us and is the chief executive for the Sausalito Festival for the Arts Foundation. and the guiding light for the annual Sausalito Art Festival. Another gentleman who is on the board of the Sausalito Art Festival named Zeni Justlokowski. He's a past board member of La Quinta and has formed their center in Southern California. And he's a celebrated fine arts photographer who exhibits all over the country. And we also had the advice of an outside consultant who converted a 6,500 square foot Wells Fargo bank into a performing arts center in Portland, Oregon. His information and his thoughtful cooperation with us was very insightful. Next slide, please. So what formed from that brainstorming session and that task force was the idea of bringing the Sausalito Center for the Arts to life. in the Bank of America. So this group is a large group of knowledgeable executives who've all had hands-on experience in the art world. And. That was relevant in our understanding of this opportunity and how we framed the idea around the Center for the Arts. Next slide, please. |
| 01:16:41.51 | Monica Finnegan | Next slide, please. |
| 01:16:44.07 | Louis Briones | Hold on. |
| 01:16:45.37 | Monica Finnegan | Hold on. Okay. |
| 01:16:46.82 | Louis Briones | some reason it's not allowing me there's |
| 01:16:50.31 | Monica Finnegan | Uh-oh. |
| 01:16:51.60 | Louis Briones | Um... |
| 01:16:57.03 | Louis Briones | I'm screen sharing, but... There's hands raised, does that have anything to do with it? |
| 01:17:03.97 | Jill Hoffman | No. |
| 01:17:04.14 | Louis Briones | Bye. |
| 01:17:07.70 | Louis Briones | Um, |
| 01:17:08.39 | Jill Hoffman | our city clerk might be able to shed some light |
| 01:17:13.99 | Walfred Solorzano | I think it's just the streaming that might be taking a bit or your system not processing fast enough. |
| 01:17:24.71 | Monica Finnegan | Mm-hmm. I can go. |
| 01:17:25.75 | Unknown | Bye. |
| 01:17:25.77 | Walfred Solorzano | I don't know. |
| 01:17:25.84 | Unknown | Bye. |
| 01:17:25.87 | Walfred Solorzano | Thank you. |
| 01:17:25.97 | Unknown | Thank you. Here you go. Thank you. |
| 01:17:28.23 | Monica Finnegan | Okay. I can go. Okay. What the next slide was really talking about is, We formulated our response to the city's RFI after almost a year of weekly meetings. Um, What we've come up with, is the idea that we were presenting met all the objectives of the city, the residents, and the extended community. We could cover the city's debt service. We could operate the property immediately and be open for community use. The Holiday Makers Fair was a good example. We could enliven downtown with a new and active vision. And we could put the property into action with little reconstruction and begin to bring art, performance, fun and life to the area. A first... Artist event is being planned for May already. And we are focused on an opening gala celebration that month as well. If you can move to the hub slide. This is the great vision of what we are working towards. The establishment of the Sausalito Center for the Arts will dramatically transform this downtown location. and it will support the burgeoning and innovative local artist community. It will be a venue for use by all of our community. If you can see one of the ideas that we have is the rooftop bar. and how it does bring life and activity and spontaneity to this part of the city. You'll remember that the Maker's Fair was right through the double doors there. And we've had a lot of Wednesday Night Live music in front of the building. And those are just really two great examples of what could happen. We see this as the cultural hub of Sausalito, almost a 24 seven operation. If you've attended those events, I think you could experience, have experienced how that could happen. I'm going to turn the next little couple of slides over to Louis and ask for his explanation of some of the structure and the leadership of how we see this working. So Lewis, the next slide is yours. |
| 01:19:46.19 | Louis Briones | Thanks Monica. Yeah, so when we were going through some of the criteria that the committee had put forward, you know, how do we make this community serving? How do we make this a benefit to the city? How do we enhanced downtown. we really came up with the idea of, Oh my God, this thing is like not activating, I apologize. |
| 01:20:09.35 | Unknown | Yeah. |
| 01:20:09.37 | Monica Finnegan | Uh-huh. |
| 01:20:09.95 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 01:20:10.77 | Louis Briones | but really making it a public-private partnership. And again, I apologize for this thing not moving forward. |
| 01:20:22.62 | Jill Hoffman | Lewis, it's okay. We were having issues earlier with our technology. So I'm sure it's not on your end. Anyway, if you could just talk us through it, that would be great. And we're almost at the 10 minutes that I think we, Yes, okay. |
| 01:20:36.91 | Louis Briones | So the idea is actually this visual is a good representation of the public-private partnership because at the bottom of this slide you see the Sausalito Center for the Arts and we envision a partnership between the city of Sausalito probably parks and recs and a new nonprofit organization that would be spun up to direct the center. But you'll also see on the top that there's this pretty cool rooftop cafe. And that's where the private enterprise comes in, and in particular, Larry and Michael Mandel, who, as you all know, have copita and poggios and sausalito and restaurant concepts throughout their their history of success. So they would provide the private partnership through a separate lease with the city. to activate the rooftop cafe. So these two organizations, or these three organizations are really coming together to activate the very important building for the city. And in terms of you know, what we would do at this place we see it as a multi-use concept that would be available to virtually every organization throughout Sausalito. For example, Obviously there would be a number of art events there. The Sausalito Art Festival Foundation would like to immediately start having smaller art related events at the facility. We think that we can activate the building with very little build out. and actually start using it as early as this spring. In doing so, we would become kind of the first customer for the building and would be able to guarantee a significant amount of revenue for the building. we see the non-profits throughout the city of Sausalito whether it's the women's club or other organizations being able to use the building. We see organizations or businesses like In Above Tides being able to attract convention. visitors by activating this building for their use as well. So it really does become a multi-use building for this city. I'm going to try to move forward here. then unfortunately I can't. |
| 01:23:25.27 | Louis Briones | And I apologize for that. touch. |
| 01:23:32.65 | Louis Briones | and Um, In terms of of hitting some of the goals that the city has laid out. One of our financial goals is immediately to alleviate the financial obligation in terms of rent that the city is spending on the building. um we we have soft commitments of at least $300,000 today. So we feel very confident that we could immediately start paying rent on this building. and take that burden off of the city. We Our goal is to raise a million dollars in year one so that we can start some build out. the primary portion of the building is really more demo than actual depth, actual build out. So again, we think that we could start utilizing the building pretty much immediately. and longer term, as Larry and Michael Mendel go through their process to figure out what needs to be done on the rooftop that obviously is going to enhance the value of the building for the city. And it's going to provide additional revenue, not only for the center for the arts, but also for the city through taxes and things like that. |
| 01:25:02.85 | Louis Briones | So on that. |
| 01:25:03.89 | Unknown | No. Thank you. |
| 01:25:04.01 | Louis Briones | We've probably taken our 10 minutes Obviously in the RFI, it's probably 60 or 70 pages and has a lot more information, but I hope that that gives you a basic overview of what we're trying to accomplish by creating the Center for the Arts. |
| 01:25:22.91 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. Thank you for that presentation. And thank you for coming this evening to share this with not just our council, but with the public. And so with that, thank you, Serge. um, Do we have any follow up questions before I open up public comment on this item? And they found you. |
| 01:25:38.74 | Melissa Blaustein | Thank you. |
| 01:25:38.76 | Janelle Kellman | Mayor Hoffman, I have a few. Oh, go ahead, Council Member. |
| 01:25:39.43 | Melissa Blaustein | Thank you. |
| 01:25:42.52 | Melissa Blaustein | Thank you. |
| 01:25:42.53 | Janelle Kellman | So go ahead, Vice Mayor Kellman, you were first. I'll follow on. Oh, okay. Well, guys, thank you. I mean, the presentation is top notch based on the document that we saw. And I know Lewis, you had a little trouble with that PowerPoint, but no problem because what you guys sent us was really a beautiful document and easy to follow. And I really appreciate that. And kudos to you for bringing together a cross section of the community to really honor a lot, a significant aspect of South Dakotaos history. I think I have just some general sort of programming questions and Monica, you and I spoke about these a while ago. I love the idea of this rooftop bar and I see that it is TBD in the schedule. |
| 01:25:53.50 | Unknown | We had a lot of fun. |
| 01:26:23.09 | Janelle Kellman | If you had to make a best guess on bringing something like that to light, How long do you think it might take? Bye. |
| 01:26:30.43 | Jill Hoffman | that you can see. |
| 01:26:30.49 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. |
| 01:26:31.22 | Jill Hoffman | I don't want to, but I think Larry Medell's on the, I can see him on our screen. I'm betting he's gonna talk during the public comment, Vice Mayor, and I mean, I'm sorry, I don't mean to interrupt, Lewis might wanna answer, but I'm betting Larry might wanna answer that too during public comment. |
| 01:26:50.10 | Monica Finnegan | Let me just say, |
| 01:26:50.15 | Jill Hoffman | Let me just say. |
| 01:26:51.39 | Monica Finnegan | Well, sorry, let me just say that we have had some conversations about that. And it depends on how quickly we can get through the planning process for one thing, which I think we can do pretty well. They've already done some drawings and some estimated expenses and things like that. We've had ongoing dialogue about collaborating and In a meeting I had with Larry and Michael Mandel, we agreed that we would utilize the same architects so that there would be some synergism in how things would be I would imagine between all of the steps of lease negotiation, construction drawings, and that sort of thing. It would be probably at the earliest two years before they would open their doors, but I would definitely ask Larry to augment that. Going back to the tenant improvements that we are planning for the building, we've estimated with McDivitt construction, William McDivitt estimated the needs that we had, and it would be about $450,000. But we can do that all in phasing. And as Louis said, all we need to do is take out the teller spaces right now, and we've got that grand open space that we could utilize in a multiple of ways. So I hope that answers your question. |
| 01:28:09.36 | Janelle Kellman | Yeah, thank you for that, Monica. I only raise it because the presentation that we guys provide in the packet called that the rooftop bar specifically as part of the whole revenue package. There are two more questions. One is about the hours of operation. I see that you're sort of planning for Wednesday to Sunday and that of course will evolve. And I'm thinking about in terms of how we, how we draw more residents downtown through this center. Can you just give us a, you know, best case idea around some of the programming that would draw members of the Sausalito community. I'm not talking about out of city visitors, but I'm talking about the residents downtown. |
| 01:28:46.12 | Louis Briones | I'll take that one, Monica. You can break it up into a number of layers. For example, you could easily imagine an artist layer where Sausalito artists could come during the week to attend various workshops. Maybe it's best practices on solo exhibits or whatever. There could also be a number of artist exhibits by Sausalito artists, so maybe during the day or during the weekend. So you can easily see how existing artists could be utilizing the building and attracting Sausalito residents and visitors. There's also kind of another layer of existing nonprofits. So for example, the Sausalito Sister Cities could have a fundraiser there on a Sunday night. The women's club could have their ukulele concert, either to entertain people or to raise money. A next layer could actually be the city of Sausalito. I mean, either parks and recs or the council or whomever could utilize the building for a staff recognition of that. or other things. There's also an opportunity to really tap into what the city's trying to do in terms of uh diversity inclusion because we would reach out to marin city people like um performing stars and Felicia Gaston's group and actually give them a venue right downtown Sausalito for some of these are in city artistic organizations to perform. That could be on the weekends. That could be during the week or whatever. There is also a layer of private corporations for example we could have ted talks in that building during the week you know, The Inn Above Tides, again, could be using that for convention space. Jeanne Hillard could use it for their Christmas party. And then, of course, there's all of these artistic organizations that already exist out there. For example, the ICB building. Maybe instead of going to their studio, they could be using the location for a ceramics by the Bay exhibit during the week or whatever. The Sausalito Art Festival Foundation could have an art festival there, could have some sort of smaller art-related exhibit. So the idea is to keep this thing working throughout the week by tapping into a multitude of organizations that are already out there who are looking for some sort of venue. right downtown Sausalito. |
| 01:31:37.59 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you, Lisa. really appreciate the thorough thoroughness of your response um i guess my last question has to do with the public fiber partnership Your proposal specifically calls out support from parks and recs. And you probably know we've had a restructuring of that. Does that hamper your, um, Your rollout or your intentions in any way? |
| 01:31:59.22 | Louis Briones | Not really. It really doesn't. I mean, it seemed logical for us to tap into parks and recs just because Um... You know, we kind of look at the parking lot as parks and racks, and there's definitely opportunities to expand this venue by tapping into say Gableson Park for special events and things like that. We would like to use some of the existing inventory that Parks and Recs has. For example, they have a lot of tables and chairs and things like that. So we know that the organization itself has been diminished a bit, but it but this concept does not rely on parks and recs being, you know, completely dedicated to it in any way. |
| 01:32:48.92 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. |
| 01:32:48.93 | Jill Hoffman | All right, thanks Tim, thanks Lewis. Okay, thank you. Councilmember Blaustein and then Councilmember Cleveland-Nulls. |
| 01:32:56.56 | Melissa Blaustein | Great, thank you for this presentation, for being here, for your very exhaustive IP. It was really fantastic. It's just great to see so many community members involved in this effort and the amount of time that you've put into it. So it's definitely a really exciting proposal, but I had a couple of questions. I, a little bit that I mentioned in my prior comments, but I would love to see, I think this is an excellent opportunity, as you mentioned, Louis, for taking steps around diversity, equity, inclusion, to create a really welcoming space for our community as a whole. And when I speak about our community, you know, all of Southern Marin and particularly our neighbors in Marin City. And I think it would be really beneficial to and I saw this in your packet, potential consideration of board members from within Marin City, but could you talk about what some of your steps you might take to be more, including as many folks as possible and really make it a welcoming space that can be used by all across Southern Marin. And then an add on to that question might be, one of the things that EDAC has talked about and recommended a lot, and that we hear often from our community members is you know, we don't want the downtown to be touristy. We want it to be regional serving. So we want to welcome people from Mill Valley or people from Tiburon. And was there a consideration for making it a Southern Marin Center for the Arts? And has there been outreach to Mill Valley? So maybe Mill Valley, Tiburon, et cetera. Maybe you can speak to those. |
| 01:34:12.40 | Louis Briones | Yeah. |
| 01:34:17.31 | Louis Briones | Yeah, that's actually a huge point. And unfortunately, it got lost in the presentation. But when we started looking at the artist community, not just in Sausalito, but within Marin County and even beyond, There's a lot of organizations out there. The problem is they're all kind of doing their own thing because there's no central hub holding them all together. So we see the Center for the Arts as a place where we can aggregate information, we can aggregate resources, And we can aggregate this community that already exists. And so a big part of the artist community is the idea of tapping into the ICB, tapping into other Um... Art centers, there's one, and I always forget how to pronounce this word, Wahala, there's other organizations out there. |
| 01:35:23.37 | Mary Wagner | GRAPHIC. |
| 01:35:24.47 | Louis Briones | Thank you. We would be more than happy to come into Sausalito with their with their resources. So a big part of it is definitely just tapping into these organizations that currently exist bringing them into the fold and sharing ideas, sharing resources, and then and then pushing the information back out to the artist. Because if you're an artist in Sausalito right now, You probably have no idea about all of these other resources outside of Sausalito that could be available to you. So we do see this as a gathering place of information for sure. You know, Marin City, there are There's a multitude of really, really great artistic organizations out there. And there are a lot of organizations and individuals within Sausalito that are currently involved in Marin City. But we see this again as a way to bring Marin City into Sausalito. I mean, we're literally giving them a venue right downtown Sausalito. |
| 01:36:15.89 | Unknown | There. |
| 01:36:32.41 | Louis Briones | which would be very impactful. |
| 01:36:32.58 | Monica Finnegan | We did the... Wait. What? We did that already with the Holiday by the Bay when we had Florence Williams and her choir group singing. We've done that with Felicia. We've had dialogues with several of the leadership in Marin City about utilizing this. I've talked to LaShawn Holcomb about the Gryotte Theater. So we know that this is going to be something that we can reach out to and pull people in because there's not gonna really be anything like this in Southern Marin. So I think we've got a lot of potential to stay local grow local expand and become something that we would be really proud of in the whole Marin County we've also got the endorsement of the director of culture for Marin County she's been very helpful in in giving us information and resources and whatnot so she's definitely on board with this concept |
| 01:37:29.61 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. If I was seeing any further questions, your hand still up. |
| 01:37:34.02 | Melissa Blaustein | still in the house. Yeah, I think that that covered most of it. I assume then Monica, it's great to hear that you're working with the county because I think there's a lot of opportunities to engage with artist groups in the canal and artist groups in, |
| 01:37:45.01 | Alice Merrill | All right. |
| 01:37:45.43 | Melissa Blaustein | and I would really like to ask or push for consideration of including some of those folks on your board as you start to expand and think about how you can make it a truly inclusive for all space, which I definitely think I hear is critical to you guys. So I just want to get that. |
| 01:38:00.23 | Monica Finnegan | Right. If you see our suggested board of directors and advisory committee people, you'll see a number of those names there. Yeah, I do. |
| 01:38:10.03 | Melissa Blaustein | we're working in that way. Great, thank you so much again. And also I'm very excited about the rooftop bar. I didn't have a question about it, but I am looking forward to Larry's public comment on that. Okay, thank you, Councilmember |
| 01:38:23.92 | Jill Hoffman | Internals. |
| 01:38:25.44 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Great, thank you, Mayor. Yeah, I think Melissa already hit the two points that I wanted to ask about, which is kind of Marin regional, including Marin City, And, you know, in addition to board members and other input, you may want to think about the branding in terms of the name. or other things that have, that might be a little more inclusive on that front. My second set of questions was about programming during the day that is kind of continuous. So not just events, but more exhibits or things that people, both residents and visitors can do when they're walking around downtown. I mean, say how many times I've been downtown having lunch or walking around, walking my dog, and people say like, what can I do here? You know, what can I do in Sausalito? |
| 01:39:19.51 | Unknown | out. |
| 01:39:22.09 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | And it's very hard, especially for people who are here for a short amount of time to kind of explain all the things that you really can do. But I think downtown would really benefit from a place that people can go in and out of And I'm wondering if you have any kind of ancillary retail or um, |
| 01:39:45.00 | Unknown | to be able to do it. |
| 01:39:45.05 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | food or gallery kind of ideas that would be more things that people could visit at their leaver during certain times during the week. |
| 01:39:52.68 | Abbott | Thank you. |
| 01:39:52.72 | Louis Briones | I agree. |
| 01:39:52.98 | Abbott | Thank you. |
| 01:39:55.41 | Louis Briones | We do, we do. Right now we have it scheduled for year two. to essentially have a retail gallery there showcasing local artists. So the idea would be that we scheduled Wednesday through Sunday right now, but of course that would expand and change, that you would be able to go into the center and it would essentially be a locals gallery. We also have ideas to provide studio space so we could have live performances, if you will, of artists actually in there doing their craft. So it would be a lively environment throughout the week. |
| 01:40:43.00 | Monica Finnegan | We also have some plans to, there's a little niche out that is on the anchor side of the street, anchor side of the building. That's a perfect place for a retail kiosk that we would like to develop, assuming we have the funding to do that and add more square footage to the space. There's a lot of activation with education, with workshops, with kids painting classes, a lot of things that we could do that we've been learning as we've been having discussions with on the edec discovery is finding things for kids to do in Sausalito sometimes is a little bit difficult So we could have a puppet making session there. We could have so many things that we can incorporate in this venue. So yes, I think we could see pretty much activity from like 10 to six in the evening. |
| 01:41:38.27 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Great, thank you. Thank you all for the presentation. |
| 01:41:40.38 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. Thank you. |
| 01:41:40.93 | Monica Finnegan | Okay, thank you. Any further questions from the city council before we open up for public comment? |
| 01:41:46.99 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 01:41:47.13 | Tom Riley | Okay. |
| 01:41:47.14 | Monica Finnegan | I see Tom, it looks like Tom might be ready to say something. Did you have anything Tom that you want to add? Thank you. |
| 01:41:53.30 | Tom Riley | Oh no, Monica. Thank you to you and Lewis for a fabulous presentation. I just want to say I'm super excited about this in that it does bring the community downtown. And I think what we saw with the holiday by the Bay events, There's a desire for the community to come downtown and celebrate it And I believe that the downtown doesn't belong to tourists. It can belong to our community. And this is a great way for us to recapture that. So thank you for a great presentation. |
| 01:42:25.28 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. So we will now open it up for public comment. I see four hands raised now. Our general rule is if we get to five hands, we reduce public comment to five or two minutes a piece instead of three. So I can't imagine we're not going to have a lease five more people raise our hands. So at this point I'm using my discretion to reduce our public comment down to two minutes. And Mr. Clerk, if you could just start calling out the names. |
| 01:42:57.19 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, our first speaker is Sharlee. Sharlee, you've been unmuted and asked to share your video. |
| 01:43:04.16 | Sharna Brockett | Hi, can you all hear me? |
| 01:43:05.49 | Charles Melton | Thank you. |
| 01:43:05.51 | Sharna Brockett | Thank you. |
| 01:43:05.56 | Charles Melton | Thank you. |
| 01:43:05.58 | Sharna Brockett | interesting. |
| 01:43:05.97 | Charles Melton | Thank you. Go ahead. Great, thank you. In regards to B of A, a special building. in a special part of town. What does that mean? that unhoused persons are not worthy of shelter there. Like, are you kidding me? Sorry, we're talking about ukulele concerts, rooftop bars, or even on its face, artists for that matter, are more important than those of our neighbors who are most vulnerable. What about the artists at Marintzik? Scentes. She's an incredible sketch artist. And if she was given a vending permit without a $1 million commercial liability policy, she might be able to figure out a means to get out of her current circumstances. Richard. Dreamweaver. who's currently on the missing persons list. He's an incredible glass artist. and can make everything from knockoff Tiffany lamps to Glassblowing. Mike and Katie. incredible painters. All these people are artists. They come. from what the history of Sausalito represents, the Bohemians and the artists, the Anchor Out community. and others. Moving on. diversity, equity and inclusion here. by inviting Marin City. Is this a joke? Are we talking about caring Karens or what? Like I've invited Marin City on numerous occasions that there's a division on both sides of the fence. Facts. So let's be honest for once about that. I feel sorry for this city. Shame on you. As my friend said best once, I don't even want to be here anymore. This city, is stamped from the beginning. and unwilling to change. history. of systemic racism at its finest. and socioeconomic Baez. The only thing I agree with. |
| 01:45:12.85 | Walfred Solorzano | Charlie, your two minutes have expired. |
| 01:45:13.78 | Jill Hoffman | We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Clerk, if you could call the next speaker, please. |
| 01:45:20.48 | Walfred Solorzano | Our next speaker is Jacques Soman. Jacques, you've been unmuted and asked to share your video. |
| 01:45:29.45 | Jill Hoffman | Mr. Ullman, you're still on mute. |
| 01:45:34.62 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 01:45:34.64 | Unknown | I'm on mute. |
| 01:45:35.26 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 01:45:37.03 | Unknown | Okay. Am I all right? Yes, I can hear you now. Go ahead. Okay. So I agree with choosing the art center as the best proposal. Um, However, I think that we shouldn't forget the other proposals because there were some good aspects to them. And one of them was housing. I have to use this opportunity to mention that We should have. housing, more housing downtown, and affordable housing. And a very appropriate place to put it would be above the parking lots for the Saucedo Yacht Harbor and Spinnaker restaurant. we could put them up on pillow tees and not have to disturbed the parking. And that would only enhance our Uh, to get more going on downtown, more residents. Maybe some of that housing could be artist studios. So I just had to put that in there because that was brought up as one of the proposals. The other proposals that had to do with Food Mart and food food vending that might work with our ultimate plan for a plaza and parking lot one could be incorporated into the art center concept. And I think that to bring the community together, yes, I will love to go to the rooftop cafe, but that is not what really, it's not the casual kind of thing that a sidewalk cafe does. If people are there and then a friend walks by and you invite that person to sit with you, it's, that is much more what would bring the community together on a casual basis. And I think also be complimentary to the art center and to an art gallery. And so I think that if we give a lease for a rooftop cafe, with that should be a requirement that there also be a sidewalk cafe, because I think that that's, really going to be the important to activate. Mr. Salman. |
| 01:47:52.37 | Walfred Solorzano | do it. |
| 01:47:52.89 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 01:47:52.93 | Walfred Solorzano | And, |
| 01:47:52.94 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 01:47:52.98 | Walfred Solorzano | Your two minutes have elapsed. Okay. |
| 01:47:55.74 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yeah, thank you. Appreciate your comments. Um, Okay, Mr. Clerk, go ahead. |
| 01:48:01.92 | Walfred Solorzano | Our next speaker is a phone number ending 4675. being unmuted and ask to share your video. |
| 01:48:14.09 | Unknown | Yes, I agree with the gentleman that Mr. Solomon, that it's good to take an approach where you have many options rather than just as quick as you guys, you pull the trigger, always so quick. in order not to do any work. So I agree there has to be more consent within the entire community. of Salcedo rather than leave it to you guys because you seem to create some monumental screw ups all the time. And this could be another one of your where you never really realize what you're doing, but you just quickly had each other's back into complying with the quickest fix that you might find. But yes, again, it's important to include the community. It's important to do this. Ask the rest of the community without your only one person. Cyclops view. So, Gentlemen. you are around having another problem in your hands that you have no idea how to solve because you always take a quick fix like Zapata. you know, Quick fix, man. like the mayor, please resign from the post. You are not doing anything correct for the people of this town. Thank you. You're welcome. |
| 01:49:44.59 | Walfred Solorzano | Thank you. |
| 01:49:44.74 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 01:49:44.84 | Walfred Solorzano | Thank you. |
| 01:49:45.84 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. |
| 01:49:47.32 | Walfred Solorzano | Our next speaker is David Sudo. David, you've been unmuted and asked to share your video. |
| 01:50:05.01 | David Sudo | Good evening city council. I think I agree with everything that Jacques said. I think the two proposals that most closely Uh, mirrored what residents asked for were both this arts proposal and the market proposal. right now with COVID and how in our current market. you know, type people in town. I think that that's not the appropriate direction to go at this point, you know, it's going to put more pressure on our existing restaurants. Uh, I do think we need to look at this area more holistically in a long range. you know, housing. How can we add housing to this area? The I believe the waterfront area in this section has been designated by the city as appropriate zoning area for for shelter housing, The B of A building is just outside that area. I, So, you know, we should have a larger discussion about what we're doing, but On a short-term basis, I think the ARCS project probably has the best merits for going forward at this point. Thank you. |
| 01:51:16.74 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. |
| 01:51:28.39 | Walfred Solorzano | Our next speaker is Lorna. been unmuted enough to share your video. All of a sudden Lorna is no longer here. I will move on to Carolyn Revell. And Carolyn, you've been unmuted. |
| 01:51:42.80 | Carolyn Revell | So good evening. I'd like to, support very enthusiastically this art center proposal. I don't know about the other proposals, but I think this one sounds like it could go ahead immediately and I I think it's terribly exciting way to bring the community into the heart of downtown. to capitalize on the beautiful Qashqai Plaza, this makes a marvelous use for that setting. I can imagine theatrical performances. I love the idea of performing stars from Marin City and other artists from from Rensiti as well as from Sausalito. visual artists as well as the painters and so forth, all the different kinds of performances that could occur. So I just want to, express enthusiastic support for the work that's gone into this proposal. and to hope that the council goes forward in developing this concept further, thank you. |
| 01:52:42.23 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you, Ms. Ravel. |
| 01:52:44.86 | Walfred Solorzano | Our next speaker is Lorna. Lorna, you've been unmuted. |
| 01:52:49.05 | Lorna Newland | Yes, thank you. Um, I'm an artist in Sausalito, a resident. I am a member of the Chamber of Commerce for 19 years, almost 20 years when I started my pottery studio. And There was a comment earlier that Nobody knows how to let visitors know what's going on. I mean, that's what the Chamber of Commerce has done for years. We've passed our 50th anniversary, I believe. Maybe I'm mistaken at 75, but, And the visitor center there is also providing an opportunity for artists. And I think it's great that we're looking at this for a whole cultural center, but we have to understand, we all need to work together on this. Just like another restaurant in town is great. Another, more retail, anything to get more people downtown, whether they're residents, visitors, we have so many more people from Marin County visiting because nobody's traveling out of the country. We're getting more of that now. And I was lucky enough that Monica asked me to participate in an artist forum. And not all artists are at the ICB building. A lot of us are in our own unique studios. Some people also work from home. |
| 01:54:05.66 | Unknown | NOW MONICA |
| 01:54:17.22 | Lorna Newland | And I was also fortunate to be at that very first Holiday by the Bay Makers' Fair. And it was great. We just need more people to come through and do that. And it was a wonderful event and things and positive for everybody. But I'd really like to see... Um, it all worked together on this. And I think there's a lot of positive things that can come out of this. And I believe in what the chamber does for residents and for tourists and the information that goes out on all of those websites as well. Thank you. |
| 01:54:57.03 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. Okay, I don't see any further hand Oh, I do see a hand, sorry. |
| 01:55:01.16 | Walfred Solorzano | I do see it. Sorry. Madam Mayor, we have Vicki Nichols. been unmuted enough to share your video. |
| 01:55:15.03 | Vicki Nichols | I just wanted to say thank you for the presentation. I know as others have mentioned, there has been a lot of thought in this and this can be very exciting. It may be too early to ask about this, but with the nonprofit paying the rent primarily, Will the individual artists pay fees to come in and show their work? Or I'm concerned about them having the finances to be able to use the space. And I was just wondering if any thought has been given to that. I know you want to make your rental agreement and, you know, would they be like part of the nonprofit members or how that might work? |
| 01:55:59.74 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. Um, any other Any other public comments? |
| 01:56:06.06 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | and our... |
| 01:56:06.08 | Jill Hoffman | And you know, |
| 01:56:07.31 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | I think that we were hoping that Mr. Mandel would speak. I don't know if he wanted to. |
| 01:56:14.05 | Jill Hoffman | Are you calling on the public council member? Well, I just didn't know. |
| 01:56:16.34 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Well, I just didn't know. We talked about it and then I haven't seen him raise his hand. So no, I'm not requiring it, but if he would be amenable, that would be, we'd love to hear from him to answer the vice mayor's question. |
| 01:56:20.12 | Jill Hoffman | I haven't seen it yet. |
| 01:56:28.46 | Jill Hoffman | Would you care to take your Self off mute, Mr. Medell, make the |
| 01:56:34.38 | Sue King | Thank you. |
| 01:56:34.41 | Jill Hoffman | I'm off. Go ahead. Susan, I would- I consider you part of a team and a question to the team, frankly. So, okay, go ahead. |
| 01:56:37.70 | Larry Mandel | I think it's a good thing. |
| 01:56:37.98 | Alice Merrill | Bye. |
| 01:56:41.70 | Jill Hoffman | I am now closing public comment. And so we're going back to questions to the team. |
| 01:56:41.86 | Larry Mandel | Bye. |
| 01:56:41.87 | Unknown | I'm sorry. |
| 01:56:42.02 | Janelle Kellman | And by the way, |
| 01:56:48.03 | Jill Hoffman | I'm scared. |
| 01:56:48.07 | Janelle Kellman | We can have two other public comments though, Mayor Hoffman. |
| 01:56:50.41 | Jill Hoffman | We do, I'm sorry. Okay, Councilor McLean-Nulls, would you mind if we close public comment and then we go back? I mean, let me get through public comment. Mr. Medill hang on. And we're going to hear our last two public commenters and now close public comment and then we'll go back to questions follow up questions from the team and then, Anyway. So, okay, so I see two more people. I see Kay Carlson and Kevin Carroll. |
| 01:57:14.68 | Walfred Solorzano | Jake Harrelson has been unmuted and has to share his video. Thank you. Thank you. |
| 01:57:19.02 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 01:57:28.41 | Jill Hoffman | Ms. Carlson, you're still on mute. And I know that you do have, I know that you do have one of your lovely paintings behind you. |
| 01:57:37.97 | Kay Carlson | Okay, am I live? You are live. |
| 01:57:38.37 | Jill Hoffman | All right. |
| 01:57:41.75 | Kay Carlson | Thank you. So thank you, Monica Finnegan for leading this charge and the task force, which I have been a part of for all these months. And I would like to make two recommendations upon the basis of my past work as the executive director of Marin Open Studios and also as a resident of the ICB for 30 years. And. I see that the County of Marin desperately needs a Southern a southern base for the art community here in Marin. And there's MOCA in the north and the south is needs, a representation. And I also see the ICB as a terrific partner in this particular venture. |
| 01:58:26.19 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 01:58:29.23 | Kay Carlson | Um, And I see that the artists there will be, we have no public space by the way, at all for meetings. So we meet in people's studios now because we have no public space. Our gallery is the size of a small bedroom. |
| 01:58:45.06 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 01:58:45.26 | Unknown | Bye. |
| 01:58:45.33 | Unknown | I'm not. |
| 01:58:48.44 | Kay Carlson | So, um, to have the county be able to share in this is just a win-win for everyone. I'm so excited by this. Thank you all for considering it. |
| 01:59:01.77 | Monica Finnegan | Thank you. Thank you, Kay. |
| 01:59:09.01 | Walfred Solorzano | Our next speaker is Kevin Carroll. Kevin, you've been unmuted enough to share your video. |
| 01:59:16.31 | Unknown | Thank you. I'm Kevin Carroll of Saucolito Taxi. And I can probably safely claim that over the last 20 years, I've spent more time in front of the Bank of America than any other individual. What's up? in Paustolito. period. and it has been so fabulous to see initially the Wednesday Night Live and then the Makers Fair in that building. the whole energy of that location changed so dramatically. And I heard nothing but positive comments not just from the tourists, but mostly from the locals who were just so happy to see for something there. but also to see the creativity of the things that were inside the building. They were thrilled. and I just, my only question is, If you need donations to get this up and running, When and where do I send it? I have to do. You guys have on a lot of your issues, how you want to set up markers and goals for organizations to meet and as long as you do that with this without a... a very long-term commitment. Give them a shot at trying this for a couple of years. And if it makes the rent payments, the city's all the better for it. Thank you. |
| 02:00:41.80 | Jill Hoffman | THANK YOU. Okay. Thank you very much. Okay, now I don't see any more hands up. and I'm going to close public comment. And I'm gonna take this back to our city council for follow-up questions. |
| 02:00:57.41 | Unknown | Don't forget Larry. |
| 02:00:59.44 | Jill Hoffman | No, no, no, I'm getting there. Just hang on, Ian. |
| 02:01:03.17 | Unknown | I'm sorry. |
| 02:01:05.51 | Jill Hoffman | OK, and so we have a pending question on the table for Mr. Medell and Mr. Medell, if you would like to. now respond to that, I think now would be the appropriate time. |
| 02:01:16.67 | Larry Mandel | Well, I'd rather have Kevin Carroll answer it for me. I love what he said. I don't know the question. |
| 02:01:25.54 | Jill Hoffman | Oh, go ahead. Council member, if you could restate your question or pose it to Mr. Modell. |
| 02:01:32.80 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | I just think it was actually the vice mayor who had a series of questions about the rooftop bar, the timing and how it coordinates with the |
| 02:01:38.57 | Unknown | I'm not. |
| 02:01:38.65 | Jill Hoffman | Mm-hmm. |
| 02:01:38.96 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. |
| 02:01:38.99 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 02:01:41.49 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | uh, Art Center project. Is that correct, Vice Mayor? I don't want to put words into your mouth, but |
| 02:01:47.11 | Janelle Kellman | No, thank you. Yes, I think collectively we're all really excited, Larry, about the rooftop bar concept. And then someone else mentioned potentially having a sidewalk cafe that would go with it. I just wanted to get your sense of how long you think it might it might take to envision that and make it into i guess a reality because this is an interesting project in that there's things we can do now and then things that are going to be down the line and so i'm just looking for your best uh estimate on when you think that might be able to be a reality. |
| 02:02:18.60 | Larry Mandel | Well, I think that the sidewalk opportunity is a wonderful one that could be executed quite, quite soon. And I think it would be wonderful if we could get it permitted. We wanted to do something like that. a while back, but we couldn't get it permitted. But if we can this time, I think it would make a lot of sense. In terms of how long this project might take, There's a couple of things to consider. The first is what structural enhancement enhancements need to be made to the building to support a rooftop cafe. And I can't tell you what those might be, but structural engineers certainly could. And that takes time and, of course, money. And I think it could be an exciting, add to the really important part of the Sausalito Arch Center. because I think it's something that Sausalito has always needed. We've got wonderful artists in Sausalito and Marin City. And I don't know that they have an an appropriate place to exhibit their art And more importantly, maybe, to sell their art. So I am indebted to Monica for the creativity and the execution on this idea. I think it's whether there was a rooftop Uh, cafe or not. I would be... all in on the Art Center. I'm not sure. The rooftop cafe I think could be a fabulous thing for Sausalito. I honestly just don't know how it ever pencils. because it's going to be very expensive. to build. And It does rain. So a roof covering is going to be important. And it's not a slam dunk. So I think we need to look into that more, but I am enthusiastic about the art center. I really am. And with or without the rooftop, I think it's something that's also, and all the stuff that goes with that. I just can't imagine a better use of that building than the art center. And so thank you again, Monica. |
| 02:05:00.66 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. All right, any other questions from the council member before we start our discussion and direction? Okay, no hands raised. So, okay, so let's start our discussion. You have our concept. We've narrowed it down to who we think is a front runner to bring it online the quickest to start revenue to the city the fastest. I actually, You know, most of the other All right. concepts that we received we're gonna take years for a line. We're gonna take many, lots of, you know, millions of dollars for the build outs. Some of the proposals ask for the city to pay for those. some of the proposals understood that the, um, people that were submitting were gonna pay for them, but we wouldn't be receiving rent for years. And they also wanted really long leases. So like 20 to 30 year leases. So those were big commitments that I think were of concern to Ian and I when we were vetting. And so What we'd like, I think, I'll let Ian speaker. I think what we're looking for from direction from the council is to move forward with Um, coming to deal terms with the with the Center for the Arts and how quickly we can bring them online. I actually I also agree with the Council member Cleveland Knowles that they're not necessarily mutually exclusive, that some of those concepts were going to take years to implement. And we could also vet those as a backup, perhaps, or an alternate plan if the arts, for some reason, the arts center doesn't come to fruition. So anyway, I'll let if you don't if you don't mind my indulging me, I would like maybe for a council member Sobieski to speak next and then, okay. Thank you. |
| 02:06:50.25 | Ian Sobieski | I thought that's well said the |
| 02:06:50.28 | Jill Hoffman | Yeah. |
| 02:06:54.39 | Ian Sobieski | We ask for ideas. Ideas can be infectious and they can inform the discussion. some of these ideas were far-reaching and If we were gonna pursue them, there would be a public process that would take years to manifest and pursue. And so that discussion can go on in parallel with the giving the Center for the Arts the opportunity to see if they can pull together their vision. They are a nonprofit and with a cultural mission And I think they're going to succeed. And I'm excited to see their success. But we get a free shot on goal. with this excellent idea because they can start right away And if they don't meet, and as in the staff report you see, our recommendation is that the lease be dependent upon their meeting fundraising goals for their efforts. as well as financial goals for their lease. If they fail to meet those two things, then the lease is terminated and we can pursue other ideas. We've spoke about development ideas and I'll just point out the mayor and I also considered whatever idea I should consider, which is things like selling the building. We can pocket a substantial profit and put that money back into the general fund. or other options as well. We lose nothing by doing what Kevin Carroll said. by giving this idea a chance. And we have the potential to make something as Kate Carlson said, that is unique. in Southern Marin and extremely special, just as And Sausalito deserves something this special. |
| 02:08:25.31 | Jill Hoffman | Um, Okay, thank you. any, sorry. Yes, Councilman Cleveland, all sorry. |
| 02:08:33.07 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Yeah, thank you. Thank you. So first of all, I just want to thank all the six proposers that submitted proposals. I thought it was really interesting to see a lot of different visions for the space, big, small, medium, You know, so thank you for that. I found them all very interesting and appreciate the time that went into them. want to thank the presenters from today, and I especially want to thank the working group. So I am... amenable with taking the recommendation of the working group to direct stuff. and the working group is appropriate to enter into negotiations for a lease of the space. I would like to consider and be interested in what other people on the council think about this. We have talked with a new property manager person role about clarifying our criteria And our a vision for our city owned properties. So I would like to propose that we use this process as kind of a move move those two discussions forward in parallel so that as we think about this lease and what we would like to see the terms of the least be that we are also thinking more broadly in terms of. kind of what the goals are for some of our city on properties and, of course, they don't need to be the same goal for every single property as Council members sobieski already. mentioned, this is a unique a unique property and has maybe some different goals than some of our other publicly owned spaces. So I'm in favor of that moving forward immediately. I did just wanna recognize some of the public comments and Mr. Ullman particularly, the idea of enlivening the sidewalk area, with a cafe. I also thought there was excellent public comment around the long-term vision. perhaps for housing in this area. And I would just note that the two kind of longer term bigger proposals, both clearly thought that the best use of this space would be to take some of the associated parking in lot two. and connecting that more to add vibrancy to the Bank of America building. And so these are kind of our longer term visioning exercises. I don't think that's something we can do immediately, but I would, I would love to see us thinking and talking about that as we proceed. |
| 02:11:03.39 | Unknown | and you |
| 02:11:10.45 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | with our ferry landside. improvement project. Um, I'm excited about the possibility of a rooftop bar. I think this proposal stands on its own, but I hope that as we continue discussions and if there are feasibility studies that we will keep that farm light on the table. And then lastly, as part of the leaks, I would like clarity around commercial uses of the space. So it can be ancillary commercial uses, but retail and food service. I would be I would think are critical to allowing artists for the project to succeed, frankly. So I hope we can see that. I also think that there should be some balance. I know everyone's very excited about the potential for the community and city serving purposes, but I also think for the long term financial help of this enterprise that for-profit events will also need to be included in the programming. I think there was more talk in the written proposal than there was tonight. about hotels using the space for their events. So I just want to be clear as we message this to the public that that is part of your business plan. This is not just a community serving space, but it also has a commercial aspect to it, too. And I hope that the lease will set some expectations And, uh, you know, maybe rough percentages or goals between those community serving events, which presumably would be at a lower, rate and the market rate events that would hopefully help finance and sustain the enterprise. So those are my main comments. I just want to thank everyone for their time. and dedication to making this space community serving um, hub and hopefully can't wait to see the area. live in depth if we can move forward tonight. So thank you everyone. |
| 02:13:27.93 | Jill Hoffman | Okay. |
| 02:13:28.21 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. |
| 02:13:28.27 | Jill Hoffman | Thanks. Um, All right, any council member |
| 02:13:33.33 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. |
| 02:13:33.34 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. Wousting or |
| 02:13:34.96 | Janelle Kellman | Bye. |
| 02:13:35.03 | Jill Hoffman | Mayor. |
| 02:13:35.49 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. Sure, I think you're asking for some input on structuring the deal, Mayor Hoffman? Oh, |
| 02:13:43.44 | Jill Hoffman | Bye. Thank you. |
| 02:13:43.79 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. Thank you. |
| 02:13:44.21 | Jill Hoffman | yeah we're asking for direction from the from the city council to move forward with the art center and then also And, definitely deal points that you want us to address when we come back or at least in in the process of coming up with deal points so yes |
| 02:13:58.51 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. |
| 02:13:58.61 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 02:13:58.62 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. Okay, great. Yeah, no, I think this was a great process because we were able to see some of the opportunities that are long-term and I know the planning process well enough to know that things take time and what things take more time than others. So I am drawn to the idea that there could be an immediate use. So to the point around deal terms, on page 14 of the, of the submittal that was attached to the agenda. They're talking about structuring the operating practices of public private partnerships, which includes the city receiving a rent from the rooftop cafe. And then with that revenue stream, the city's overall six year average rent would be representative of market rate rent. I would suggest that you go back to the applicant and figure out what happens when you lose the rooftop bar. I would say that based on what I've heard tonight, probably less than a 50% chance that that's going to happen in the near term. Now, maybe you can replace that with a sidewalk cafe, which I think would be extremely interesting. So maybe you can fold that back in and ask for some financials around how that might look. |
| 02:15:03.29 | Unknown | Yeah. |
| 02:15:08.38 | Janelle Kellman | So that would be a suggestion there. We also talked at length when we had initial direction about this being a resident serving center and making sure that residents do in fact want to and can access the programming. So to the extent that you can ask the applicant for further information on programming, that would be residents serving that based on other examples would in fact bring people down more than once a week. I think that would be very interesting to include. and then potentially create some KPIs around that and other objectives. How do we measure success? If somebody comes down, if residents go down once a quarter, is it successful for resident serving? So what KPIs do you recommend? I know this was a big part of the visioning was resident serving. I recommend also that we do a triple net lease so that the tenant handles all tenant improvements. So that there are no unseen costs to the city that we have to account for later on. So that would be my main suggestions and deal points |
| 02:16:17.13 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. Councilman Blasting. |
| 02:16:19.90 | Melissa Blaustein | Yeah, and those are some really great points Vice Mayor. Thanks for bringing that up. I really, again, appreciate the hard work of the presenters and the group that's involved. I think all of the names that you see on the leadership committee demonstrate real commitment to our community and an understanding You know, Monica, with you on board, I'm sure the deal flow will make sense from a commercial real estate standpoint. I'm not worried about that given how many deals you have done, but, um, I really think there's a lot of opportunity here. As Kay said, in Northern Marin they have MOCA and perhaps we can consider additional revenue streams from Mill Valley and Tiburon and Belvedere and the county and in neighbors and establishing Southern Roots. of the arts that would be inclusive as we're thinking about how we might help to make it pencil across the board. And maybe that will help make it more feasible for us to have a rooftop cafe, which we all really like, but if we can't have a rooftop cafe, then I suppose a sidewalk cafe and I'm hopeful that we'll be able to make that work out and also thinking about in the longer term, what are our, what's our vision for lot two and for downtown? That's something that I think is an ongoing conversation that we're going to continue to have with the working group that's been involved with that, which I believe is the same working group. So I'm looking forward to those recommendations. But in terms of the deal flow, considering other communities who might be able to participate to give us some fiscal support and also to create a really inclusive, engaging space but I just I'm really appreciative of the time that's been put in. I'm excited to see this building put to use. I got to go to the maker's market and I got most of my Christmas gifts there and it was a really fantastic experience. And so hopefully we can have more of that. I also would just ask that, you know, we continue to have conversations as this is built out with neighboring groups. The chamber has their visitor center right next door. So making sure that there is a really cohesive partnership with the chamber and that there's a way to, you know, include artists across the board in both locations or otherwise so that it is a really, good synergy with both. So really excited to be moving forward in a way that we hopefully will continue to be fiscally sound and appreciate everyone's efforts. |
| 02:18:29.13 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. We have two more hands up. Thank you. |
| 02:18:32.13 | Janelle Kellman | I forgot a question, which was, I welcome the working group's recommendation on a lease term, given the ramp up period, but also the fact that they can start immediately, ideas around what gives us the most flexibility. I can't remember now which council member said it, this idea of looking at long-term uses alongside an immediate, I think it was council member Cleveland Knowles. So I'd be interested to hear some of the suggestions around these terms and how that fits into the deal making. Thank you. |
| 02:19:04.30 | Jill Hoffman | Okay. |
| 02:19:04.63 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. |
| 02:19:04.67 | Jill Hoffman | and then, |
| 02:19:04.75 | Janelle Kellman | Yes. |
| 02:19:04.84 | Jill Hoffman | . |
| 02:19:04.92 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. |
| 02:19:04.95 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 02:19:04.97 | Janelle Kellman | you |
| 02:19:05.04 | Jill Hoffman | Council Member Cleveland Knowles. |
| 02:19:07.37 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Yeah, I just wanted to follow up on a comment made by Vice Mayor Kelman about what our revenue expectations are. And if I understood the proposal, it's that our immediate goal is to cover our financing costs, not market rent. But that long term or maybe medium term, depending on what we're talking about. it would be a big benefit to both the city and the center to have a market rent coming in from something like a rooftop cafe, but it doesn't necessarily need to be that. So I just wanted my expectation from the, lease negotiation is that we as soon as possible cover our costs so that the city's costs are covered and then consider ways to augment that revenue stream |
| 02:19:54.43 | Unknown | Amen. |
| 02:20:02.84 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | and kind of a midterm and perhaps have some benchmarks there. but that's not the immediate goal from my perspective. |
| 02:20:12.35 | Ian Sobieski | I would echo that. This is our own kind of startup in a way. It's and it has the pretty confident assurance that can cover our costs. And to the vice mayor's point, things like the rooftop bar, if they come to fruition, are a goose that return. I mean, give us more potential for rent. And then if. Monica Lewis and the Kate Carlson, primarily the whole team. really get the flywheel going, then the financial performance can be quite nice. That's just the financial performance, the real ROI. is also a myriad ways that this could return value to the community in all kinds of intangible But then circling around to the tangible, right? We get a lot of TOT tax from hotels if we have events in the shoulder seasons and the winters. The city budget can get way more in TOT tax than it would get in rent. And that's just in the category of hotels, not counting for all the other potential economic activities. So there's a real flywheel potential here. both financially and culturally and emotionally. And that would be the real return on investment. |
| 02:21:24.49 | Jill Hoffman | So, and also let me weigh in on something else too that I forgot to mention. You know, also keep in mind that this is an appreciating asset. And so, you know, it's like owning a house, right? The longer you own it, the more it's going to appreciate even you know, even if you don't invest a whole lot into it, which is |
| 02:21:44.31 | Unknown | Mm-hmm. |
| 02:21:44.61 | Jill Hoffman | We are not at this point looking at doing a lot of investment on the city side. So we have an asset, we're gonna get our mortgage payment cover, but that asset is continuing to appreciate And we could sell it now for doubling our money. And I'm sure it had a conservative estimate. And so at any time we could sort of make that decision. We can also refinance it and take some value out of it. by that method. So this is a this is a sound, I think, financial investment for the city of Sausalito and also Um, I think the package that we've |
| 02:22:24.70 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 02:22:24.99 | Jill Hoffman | put together collectively. is the one that's best serving according to the goals that we set for. So Council Member Blassey, I see that your hands up. |
| 02:22:34.19 | Melissa Blaustein | I'm just wondering if it's going to take into consideration. I know it will cover our mortgage, but the $350,000 that we've spent without a tenant Is that something that we're planning to include in the lease? |
| 02:22:44.41 | Jill Hoffman | we're planning to um i don't know what you mean by 350 000 that's part of the investment is that what you mean You mean 350,000 for when we purchased the property or from some other? |
| 02:22:56.02 | Melissa Blaustein | Thank you. |
| 02:22:56.65 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 02:22:56.67 | Melissa Blaustein | Um, |
| 02:22:57.51 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 02:22:57.53 | Melissa Blaustein | It seems like that's our total expenses on the property at this point to date. |
| 02:23:03.57 | Ian Sobieski | She was talking about the vice mayor's comment, but that's the payments we've made to date on the board. |
| 02:23:03.77 | Melissa Blaustein | Uh, |
| 02:23:07.82 | Melissa Blaustein | Bye. |
| 02:23:07.97 | Jill Hoffman | Oh, gotcha. I'm sorry. Yeah, go ahead. |
| 02:23:08.70 | Ian Sobieski | Yeah, go ahead. Just to be clear, only half of that, actually less than half of that is is an actual expense, because roughly half of that is payments on principle. So it's roughly half of that that's the interest expense, which is a true expense. And so, you know, our guiding principle was that it cover our ongoing costs, not to amortize the past. But I mean, surely we could take that into account. If that's important to you, then I think we should. Note that and it would be a relatively small adjustment to a monthly rent to recoup that sunk cost. |
| 02:23:43.10 | Jill Hoffman | Okay. Any other? Okay. So what I'm hearing is direction to move forward with the art center. will target to come back in the next, what do you think, Ian? |
| 02:23:55.29 | Ian Sobieski | Well, I think if I hear correctly, we have a consensus to engage the art center as the preferred candidate to Assemble everyone's comments and concerns. We can listen to the tape again to make sure we didn't miss any of them. and work with the Center for the Arts on a definitive lease and get it back as soon as possible. |
| 02:24:18.24 | Jill Hoffman | Okay. |
| 02:24:18.61 | Ian Sobieski | So as soon as we get the LOI and the LOI to a definitive lease and then bring it back to everyone here for approval. |
| 02:24:18.81 | Jill Hoffman | Great. |
| 02:24:25.68 | Jill Hoffman | Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Thank you guys. Thanks everybody. We're going to move forward with that and I appreciate everybody's hard work on this. So, Thank you. Okay, so we're going to do a time check. I'm telling you, Dorothy Gibson House is going to be fast. Please let me just get it. Let's just get it done and move on. We've had it and so that we can get moving on that project and hopefully bring it online Um, affordable housing. |
| 02:24:51.79 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | So yeah, Mayor, I just have some questions because I mean, I would prefer to just take it at the end of the night or to push it off. I mean, I mostly have process questions, but It's been a... We gave direction a long time ago for that to be brought online, Chris at eight. Yes, housing and nothing has happened. And now there's a completely different plan. Thank you. |
| 02:25:14.58 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 02:25:14.64 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. |
| 02:25:14.65 | Jill Hoffman | So it's not a complete, so let's please, can we just with the indulgence of the rest of the council, I'd like to just do it now. I know that there are people on that are waiting or have been waiting online that want to weigh in and talk about it. a couple of letters from the executor of the estate and from the former director historical society. So if we could I think it'll be fast. If we really just can't come to consensus, then I think we would bring it back to the future city council. But I think it's ready. to talk about and it's ready to have a vote from the council. So I'd like to move forward. Is there any objection with us moving forward and trying to put, let's put a 15 minute limit on it and if we really just can't get to it then then we can't get to it. Let's okay. I don't see any objection Mary, if you could start the presentation. Her presentation is quick and so is mine. |
| 02:26:19.15 | Mary Wagner | Thank you, Madam Mayor, members of the council. And I will be brief and I won't even have a PowerPoint presentation for you, but I'll walk through some of the background and then turn it over to you. Madam Mayor for the proposal that was included in your packet this evening. As you all know, back in 2019, August of 2019, The city was the recipient of a generous gift from Dorothy Gibson through her estate, she bequeathed her home at 429 and a half Johnson Street to the city. And it was accepted by the council in accordance with the process that we need to go through. for that type of of a gift. The terms of the trust specifically indicated that the property would be used by the city to provide moderate to low income housing for one or more full-time employees of the city of Sausalito, including employees of the city's police and fire departments. If the city hadn't accepted this gift, the gift would have lapsed and instead would have gone to the Golden Gate Council of American Youth Hostels, Inc. There was information in your report that we included back in August 27th of 2019 when the council accepted this donation about the condition of the property its zoning and how many units could be identified there's been some additional work done I understand by the working group as council member Cleveland Knowles mentioned herself and council member Blaustein were on that working group and they worked with Charlie Francis on the next steps regarding the project So you'll see those next steps in your staff report. And then you have in your discussion section of your staff report tonight, a proposal by the mayor to solve what we've kind of termed as multiple issues that are facing the city and to provide an opportunity and Madam Mayor, I'll just give the synopsis and then turn it over to you. an opportunity to provide full-time employment to an individual experiencing homelessness |
| 02:28:10.12 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 02:28:15.38 | Mary Wagner | and to use the property of 429 1 1 in combination with programs run by the Marin Housing Authority to provide housing opportunities for that employee. The mayor also identified that the, excuse me, the Marin Housing Authorities Voucher Program includes wraparound transitional homeless support services, pays full market rate rent and its potential that the city may be eligible for a grant of up to $40,000 to do some of the needed improvements at the property. With that, I will pause, turn it over to the mayor, and then of course I'm happy to answer any questions that the council may have for me. |
| 02:28:51.24 | Jill Hoffman | So, The idea is that we would still have, we would still get at least two units out of it. that the consensus is from, I think from the construction report that you guys did, that you maybe get three or four units. I think we get two units in an ADU definitely out of it at this point. So the idea is that at least just one of the units would be used as a pilot program for and for transitional homeless housing through the Marin Housing Authority. And the idea came up when we were looking at uh councilmember Blousey and i were looking at use of ADUs for the Marin Housing Authority voucher program. So, That's sort of the concept is to at least use one unit for that purpose. Thank you. The other, other units would be for workforce housing for the city of Sausalito in keeping with the bequest and that as using that one unit for homeless transitional, we would also look to hire that person by the city of Sausalito. So there would be, um, know that's the concept and that we would as part of the Marin Housing Authority program Should you wish to watch it, there's a video of the, of the seminar that we did with them back in think back in September October with Marin housing authorities talking specifically about use of 80 use for this program so The landlord vets the client, the landlord interviews the client, and the landlord works with the housing director for Moran Housing Authority in order to select somebody for the program. The idea is to bring Dorothy's house online to do Um, the, necessary remodel to bring it up to code and and get it online as quickly as possible with the least amount of expense with the least amount of lapse of time and with least amount of um, in convenience to the neighbors. I've toured the house a couple of times now, and it's down a lane off of Johnson Street. There's not a lot of room back there. One of the things that struck me when I toured it was how beautiful and historic that building was. And, um, When I talked to the executor of the estate about options and plans, she, was very upset about the idea that we might tear it down and that that was not in keeping with the spirit um, Ms. Gibson's bequest and that we should do everything in our power to remodel it and not tear it down. you know what I'm Whether or not we're successful in all of these things, what I think I'm looking for from the Council tonight is just again with transparency. I wanted to. you know, get direction from the council to move on this path. and to talk to various nonprofits in town and construction guys in town for donations of materials. And we had talked before about maybe setting up a GoFundMe account to raise the necessary funds for the remodel of the of the property but i'd really like to bring this online as quickly as possible for our staff and for the other concept of the pilot program, would be something that would, be an example for other communities, maybe give other communities comfort in trying this type of a pilot program. and actually being able to help somebody who needs shelter and transition into a better way of life. And so That's the concept. Sorry, we are trying to go through fast, but happy to answer any questions. And thank you for your indulgence. |
| 02:33:23.25 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | I mean, I just you had tasked Melissa Blasphane and I with this and six months or eight months ago, we had a proposal. It was almost exactly like this other than the idea. |
| 02:33:23.42 | Jill Hoffman | Bye. |
| 02:33:34.46 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | of a transitional unit, an ADU. So it's just, I mean, that this could have happened ages ago. Well, it's very frustrating that it was put on the shelf for so long after we had already delayed as a council. And then we accepted this gift in 2019. and it's still there. |
| 02:33:54.28 | Alice Merrill | Welcome. |
| 02:33:55.31 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | You know, I just, I don't, as a process matter, it's just, I don't understand what happened here. It seems kind of like we had a two-person working group |
| 02:33:55.45 | Unknown | You know, I just, |
| 02:34:04.36 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | We made a recommendation, we heard it at the council, the council agreed with it. And then at some point it got derailed and So it's very frustrating to have that kind of, and there was no plan. I don't know why you even said that somebody was going to knock the house down. I mean, that's, wasn't at all the interest of the bequest. for the request or, or the, you know, I mean, obviously Ms. Gibson was very cognizant of the character of her home and on that area. So I just have to express that, that this is really kind of at surprising and out of the blue. So other than that, I mean, I don't have A big objection, I would want I did not see the public comment when I downloaded the agenda. There wasn't any public comment on this item, but... So, you know, I, I would also, I mean, I hope that we have been in conversation with our employees. This has been kind of. you know, held out and we've had a couple of public discussions about it before. you know, about their thoughts. on this. So, you know, I just hope it's been vetted. that. Anyway, I don't know. I'm really just puzzled why. We felt the need to take this over when we were put the time into it. |
| 02:35:34.24 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. Let me respond to that. you did the staff report. I mean, we came to the city council, you had, The construction report I saw recommended So removal and rebuilding that was Dennis Webb's. Okay, that was Dennis Webb's report and that was attached to the staff report. So that's what, when I circled back, mid mid summer trying to figure out where we are and what was going on with it that's where it was. And so, Anyway, I felt like we needed to move forward. I was like, why? Why hasn't it moved forward? Um, You know, I can't. All right. What can I, other than there was nobody propelling it forward. And so that's why I looked at it and said, where are we at? And the idea of can we use one of these for the ADU aspect of it and through the Marin Housing Authority, you know, was something I felt needed to come back to the city council. And then we needed to have direction on it. you know, I felt like it needed to come to fruition. And so I brought it to the council. So unless there's an objection to moving forward in this way, then I would say that it sounds like we have consensus and that we should move forward. And that's what I was looking for tonight because I wanted the public to understand the concept And obviously I wanted the council to understand what I was proposing as well. Anyway, I mean, I tried to circle back with Council Member Blousey and a couple of times to talk about it, but we just couldn't get it together. you know. |
| 02:37:21.00 | Melissa Blaustein | Thank you. I don't really feel like that's what, I mean, I think we mentioned it as a potential thing in the homeless discussions working group, I also am, and I'm happy to see this additional use. Like we've talked about having additional housing is critical. I think we could get five units potentially in that location. Council Member Cleveland Knowles and I were on the working group, so I And again, I don't want to hold things up, but it would be nice to re-engage the working group around what the future of how many units we get and all of that going forward. But the ADU idea is fine. If it's specific to that, I mean, if we have, you know, community engagement around it. wanted. support. Councilman will live in also in her. COMMENT. |
| 02:38:06.43 | Jill Hoffman | All right, so I think we have consensus, unless it's a mayor. |
| 02:38:11.14 | Shelby Van Meter | Yeah. |
| 02:38:11.53 | Charles Melton | Thank you. |
| 02:38:12.44 | Jill Hoffman | Councilor Sobieski. So we have consensus on the concept. We have consensus that we want to move forward. We have consensus that we want to move forward quickly. Um, And so I think I think that's That's what I was looking for tonight. I, you know, Thank you. |
| 02:38:31.19 | Janelle Kellman | Mayor Hoffman, I only have one question and for whomever's looked at this more in depth, are there any downsides? um, With regard to |
| 02:38:38.93 | Unknown | with regard to |
| 02:38:40.81 | Janelle Kellman | Any downside to this program or this offering that we need to be aware of? |
| 02:38:40.91 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 02:38:41.43 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 02:38:44.38 | Jill Hoffman | I think, I think the details of it are going to need to be worked out. The downsides are going to be, what is it going to cost or rehabilitate Ms. Gibson's house? We're going to have to have an estimate what it will cost to in its current state to bring it online, what it's gonna cost, you know, those things. There is a possibility as we discussed for a $40,000 loan through the Marin Housing Authority, you know, affordable housing for their voucher program. And then, you know, how would we finance the rest of the rehabilitation and so to my mind you know There's a couple different ways you can ask for, you know, donations. You can ask for construction help from Rotary or other, you know, Alliance Club, other groups here in town. The other thing is, you know, it's an asset that the city owns, so You know, we could also have the opportunity to think about a mortgage. They will be paying units, right? So it's going to be a revenue generating asset So, you know, that's just the calculate math calculation of what could what are the repairs going to cost paid for and covered by. the rent that you'll receive through the rental of the two units or two or three units, whatever, however many we can get out of it. So. Thank you. |
| 02:40:04.07 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Correct. |
| 02:40:05.03 | Jill Hoffman | That's where I'm at. |
| 02:40:05.74 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Can you just talk about the outreach that you did to employees and public and we haven't taken public comment either. |
| 02:40:13.26 | Jill Hoffman | Yeah. So, um, the The outreach I did mainly was to the executor and to other people that I could talk to that knew Dorothy well to talk about Um, you know, what they would think about you know, use of her home in this way. whether or not they felt or had any strong objections or thought there would be strong objections from neighbors and things like that. So I haven't reached out to all the neighbors, but the executor does, her property does, back up to the side of Ms. Gibson's house. And then we talked a lot about how this was, you know, really a living memorial for Dorothy Gibson. and how we wanted to maintain it in a way that looks you know, like it looks now and feels like it looks now. And so that was really important to the executor that I talked to. outreach to the, Employees, I'm not really sure I understand what what you would want from that. I mean, obviously not against that. I would hope that the employees... would want to take use of it. It is it is relegated to certain affordable Uh, tears, but I think, you know, we have employees that might be willing or want would be interested in Yeah. participating in that. And so once we bring it online, of course, we'll have to talk about how we would select the employee and, and what the rent would be and things like that but that's I think down the road, the bigger issues right now are How are we going to finance reconstruction or remodel, sorry, and then bring it online. |
| 02:42:05.58 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Yeah, I mean, I think when we met and talked about this in March, that we had agreed that we would get condition assessment of the property so that we would know. And then we authorize the city manager if it was within his or her amount that they could go ahead and do that. So if it was under 30,000 and if not, it needed to come back to us. I mean, that's where we left off. So I don't think that happened. So, |
| 02:42:32.14 | Jill Hoffman | No, I agree it hasn't. Nothing happened. So until I went back and thought, what's going on? And then So, the you know, the thought process at that time was that the working group had done their job, that the working group was supposed to look at the house, come back with an assessment, a construction assessment. And that, as you said, the staff was supposed to move forward with some things, but that was you know, for whatever reason, it stalled. And then, you know, this other concept came up. that we were thinking about that I was thinking about, that would be a great use for that house. and to get it back to the city council for Um, agreement on that way to move forward. So if we're in agreement that this is a concept that we want to look at, then I think I think we're finished, but we need to, just move forward with the construction assessment and see what that budget is gonna be. And then if we need further direction from the city council, then we need the direction. So. I think I think we're ready. I mean, I think we're done. with this item. We need to take public comment. Yeah, yeah. We need to take public comment. Yes, I agree. |
| 02:43:45.85 | Unknown | Oh, my God. |
| 02:43:46.02 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | meet. |
| 02:43:52.47 | Jill Hoffman | So, okay, so I'm gonna open up public comment. I... the ants? |
| 02:43:58.88 | Walfred Solorzano | No hands. Madam Mayor, it appears as we have no, |
| 02:43:59.00 | Jill Hoffman | Yeah. |
| 02:44:02.42 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, we do have one hand raised and that's Charlie. |
| 02:44:06.05 | Janelle Kellman | Okay, great. |
| 02:44:08.58 | Walfred Solorzano | Charlie, you've been unmuted and has to share your video. |
| 02:44:21.27 | Jill Hoffman | Um, Charlie, we're not hearing anything, although it looks like you're unmuted. |
| 02:44:30.45 | Jill Hoffman | We're still not hearing anything. |
| 02:44:35.64 | Jill Hoffman | Still don't hear anything. I let's move on to, I see another hand up with Alice Merrill. So let's move on to Alice Merrill and then maybe we'll circle back to Charlie and maybe we can. you |
| 02:44:48.21 | Alice Merrill | Thank you. |
| 02:44:48.71 | Walfred Solorzano | You're a semidone. |
| 02:44:49.69 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. |
| 02:44:50.27 | Alice Merrill | Thank you. |
| 02:44:50.30 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. I'm not sure. |
| 02:44:50.81 | Alice Merrill | Thank you. |
| 02:44:51.41 | Walfred Solorzano | How has you been on me? |
| 02:44:53.86 | Alice Merrill | Hello, thank you very much. How's everybody tonight? Um... I'd like to say that this has been going on for a long time. And I know that house. If you think about three or four units in that little teeny tiny itty bitty space, Have you talked to the neighbors? Do the neighbors know that behind the view area, neighbors know that are thinking of this. I think it needs more with thought. I agree with Susan. This is just like It was on the books, it was talked about, and then it was gone, and now all of a sudden And I would be happy to talk to some people about it myself because I have personal interests, but beside that, This is not a space that is conducive to three and a half units, three units in a CD. And you know, it's just not. Um, so, If she really wanted people put in there, then there's a family that could go in there. Who's the family? Just put them in. I know that there are some really parts about that house that need that are not up to code and would need some needs some definite work. Um, Yeah. If she said put a family in, put a family in. Leave it at that. That's. Yeah, but not units and talk to neighbors and this has not been done. Enough. to really to really do it right. Thank you. |
| 02:46:38.40 | Sharna Brockett | Thank you. |
| 02:46:41.59 | Alice Merrill | Okay. |
| 02:46:41.89 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 02:46:43.28 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, we'll try Charlie again. Charlie, you've been unmuted and asked to share your video. |
| 02:46:54.42 | Vicki Nichols | Thank you. |
| 02:46:54.43 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, Shelby. So I, Charlie, we still can't hear you. we'll move on to Ms. Van Meter and then we'll come back to Charlotte. |
| 02:47:10.63 | Walfred Solorzano | Shelby Van Meter. You've been unmuted and asked to share your video. |
| 02:47:20.83 | Jill Hoffman | with these I can hear Ms. Ravel though. who I think might need to be muted. I can't. Ms. Vermeer, we can't hear you either. I don't know. Well, There we go. All right, here we go. |
| 02:47:36.35 | Shelby Van Meter | Okay. Sorry about that. Yes, I have Dorothy Gibson was a friend of mine. I've been in her home. |
| 02:47:38.34 | Jill Hoffman | Yeah. |
| 02:47:43.67 | Shelby Van Meter | and attended her memorial service there. and I think having this available to the city staff, a potential city staff member. It's a wonderful idea. I know it's a tiny, tiny little place. It's a very small space with a little loft up above that is so small that Dorothy had to climb in She couldn't stand up up there. She had to climb into her bed on her hands and knees. That I know. So I don't know how this could possibly work for her. more than one, probably even one individual to live there. I also share the concern with Alice that the neighbors would be very interested in what's happening there. I think, informing them, reaching out to them, would be very important. Dorsey would want that, I'm sure. So those are my comments. I'm really reiterating what Alice said and what others have read up. concerning this That it is being done in Dorothy's name, I think it's absolutely awesome. So I really applaud that part. Thank you so much. Thank you. |
| 02:48:52.29 | Jill Hoffman | you Okay. So any, further comment from the city council. Go ahead, Councilor. |
| 02:49:00.03 | Melissa Blaustein | and blasting. I just feel like in light of the public comment about neighbors and wanting to have an opportunity to weigh in, is there a way we can reach out to them and then make a consensus decision about it? I know there's a lot of people that live there that I didn't know that wasn't part of the outrage that was done beyond just the estate owners. I just want to make sure the neighbors have a chance Sure, sure. |
| 02:49:26.34 | Jill Hoffman | Yeah. Okay. I see Laura Newland's got her hand up. I don't think I officially closed public comments. So let's, let's hear from Lorna and then, um, And then that'll be Then I'll close public comment. So sorry. Councilman Blaston, you put your hand up and you moved over to my screen. Um, |
| 02:49:47.42 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, we are unmuting Lorna and ask to share her video. |
| 02:49:53.73 | Jill Hoffman | Okay. Thank you. |
| 02:50:05.46 | Unknown | All right. |
| 02:50:19.30 | Lorna Newland | There, I'm sorry, Sarah, the mute just wasn't working. But I had the good fortune, I was, |
| 02:50:20.65 | Unknown | I understand. |
| 02:50:27.16 | Lorna Newland | at a class at Heidi Snowden and I believe Heidi Snowden is the executor and I do not see her still on this meeting. I tried to send her a text. I think perhaps this agenda item is a lot later than it was expected and I agree with what Council Member Blausty just said about reaching out. I... I knew about Dorothy Gibson. I'm in the South City Women's Club, but when Heidi told me it was a gift to the city and then reading what's on the agenda about this of what her wishes were. It's very interesting to hear all that and I know it's been going on for a long time, but then to hear Shelby Van Meter saying it's a tiny place and before. all this discussion needs to, or decisions are made on how many units and what can be done. It was a bequest. Dorothy had specific requirements, and I would suggest you, and I'm sorry, Heidi Snowden's not on. So I'm, someone's speaking on her behalf. Maybe she's already, I read the letter from her and DJ Puffert about what the wishes were. So, you know, I just hate seeing something, I mean, I know it's been a long time coming and, and, and, and Unfortunately, a lot of things in the city go on for for a long time and so i applaud you guys for all looking into this but please do it due diligence thank you |
| 02:51:53.09 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thanks. Um, OK, I see Jock Ullman and I see uh, a screen that says TT and then we'll circle back one more time with Charlie, see if we can get her. So |
| 02:52:08.48 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, I'm unmuted. unmuting Jack Solman. you |
| 02:52:13.40 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 02:52:13.42 | Walfred Solorzano | Okay. |
| 02:52:13.45 | Jill Hoffman | Okay. |
| 02:52:13.66 | Walfred Solorzano | Thank you. you |
| 02:52:14.06 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 02:52:14.08 | Walfred Solorzano | Thank you. |
| 02:52:14.11 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 02:52:14.20 | Walfred Solorzano | Yeah. |
| 02:52:14.21 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 02:52:14.45 | Walfred Solorzano | Thank you. |
| 02:52:19.78 | Unknown | I can hear you, Mr. All right. Well, I just want to quickly say that I think the city needs to set an example here with accessory units, the state mandates now apparently people can put these in without review as long as they're not blocking people's view I think it's really important when you're going to do something to have a project that could be shown to the neighbors physically show you know, how are you going to do this? How are you going to put that accessory unit in there? before you put it up for any kind of comment. So I think you really should just get a project and then show it to people. And maybe you can shoo it in, and maybe it can be done well, and then you can sell it. But if people don't know what you're going to do, then you're just asking for trouble. |
| 02:53:13.63 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. I see TT. |
| 02:53:23.94 | Walfred Solorzano | Chatee, you've been unmuted and asked to share your video. |
| 02:53:32.55 | Sharna Brockett | Sorry, I'm getting feedback. Can you guys hear me? |
| 02:53:35.58 | Jill Hoffman | Yes, we can. Go ahead. |
| 02:53:37.52 | Sharna Brockett | Okay, sorry. Are you hearing the feedback, unfortunately? No? Okay, good. You sound good. |
| 02:53:42.67 | Charles Melton | Okay, good. You sound good. Hoffman regarding 429 and a half Johnson Gibson house. I'm a little confused because we jumped from B of A to 429 and a half. Um... So can we still comment on B of A or not? |
| 02:53:59.26 | Jill Hoffman | No ma'am, we have closed public comment for B of A. |
| 02:54:03.80 | Charles Melton | Okay, so moving on to 429 and a half Johnson, the Gibson house. Actually, I'll be quite honest with you. I've proposed that um people moved to that location And I was told, no, we're not going to do that right now. So regarding ABUs, that's not a long-term nor a feasible option. Um... Because realistically, I've had a person at my home |
| 02:54:37.47 | Charles Melton | Sorry, I'm getting a lot of feedback. |
| 02:54:54.81 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Okay. If that person has the city council meeting on behind them, it may be why she's getting feedback. |
| 02:55:03.20 | Jill Hoffman | Yeah. |
| 02:55:03.42 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | like if she's watching it on |
| 02:55:03.44 | Jill Hoffman | Bye. Thank you. Thank you. |
| 02:55:06.25 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | TV. |
| 02:55:08.67 | Jill Hoffman | Okay. Well, we'll take, I see another hand up Sue King. So we'll take Sue and then and then if this woman is able to join us again, we'll hear. |
| 02:55:18.71 | Walfred Solorzano | Okay. Sue, you've been unmuted and asked to share your video. |
| 02:55:27.08 | Sue King | Hi, I'm Sue King, looking like I need to go to bed, which is exactly the situation. Um, I just want to ask at what state or vision has already been made that this property is going to be turned into multiple units. Is that still on the table whether it's going to be a single family dwelling or multiple units? |
| 02:55:54.89 | Jill Hoffman | So, Um, Yes, that's what we're talking about tonight. There's a staff report. that you might want to look at. Okay. So thank you. No. that. Um, |
| 02:56:10.99 | Sue King | What I mean is, Uh, is has it been decided yet whether it's going to remain a single family home or be remodeled if you can afford it into multiple units? |
| 02:56:23.96 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. Thank you for your public comment. I'll address that when we close public comment. So thank you. Thank you. Okay, so we'll give Charlie, we're going to, we'll give you one more shot and, Hopefully. Hopefully we can hear you. |
| 02:56:38.56 | Walfred Solorzano | Charlie, you've been unmuted. |
| 02:56:42.29 | Charles Melton | Yeah, I mean, at this point, forget about 429 and a half Johnson. That's another property that the city owns and other things could have been done with it. But at this point, I'm just gonna say this. My first reaction when you guys came back from closed session, Mayor Hoffman, when you, |
| 02:57:01.93 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 02:57:01.95 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 02:57:02.03 | Unknown | Yeah. |
| 02:57:04.11 | Charles Melton | said, And I was actually shocked at your choice of words that you had a positive, review with Mr Zapata. I was I was floored by that. So at this point, I'm just I'm just going to put it out here. A three page chrono has been sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation And I trust in their leadership. And I'm very disappointed at what has transpired here. And I'm very disappointed that you all Left Chief Roy Bacher holding the bag on that. That's a shame. That's a shame. you left him holding all the bags. on that. Bye. The rest of my comments are gone. This has been a very technically disheveled day, apparently according to your clerk. So I'll just leave it at that. It's a shame. This is systemic racism and socioeconomic bias at its finest, at its finest. And I hope that all of my fight, despite many people have come to me and said, Charlie, you're gonna be blackballed. They're gonna drive you out of here. And you know what I say, I don't care. I don't care because I don't care. What I care about is diversity, equity, and inclusion. And if all of this brings about change, That's what Mahatma Gandhi said to live for. That's what he said to live for. So. Bring about change. And you can do that here, but you all keep dragging your heels and you're willing to spend a million dollars. |
| 02:58:45.93 | Walfred Solorzano | Charlie, here's two minutes of a left. |
| 02:58:50.08 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. Okay, so... Back to us at the council level. The idea... in the staff report is to look at doing two units within the skin of Miss Gibson's house current house. There's a top floor. This is the main unit and then there's a bottom floor that has has been used as a dwelling unit in the past, but I believe it needs substantial upgrades to bring it up to code. And so The idea is direction from the City Council to move forward with discussion of what it would the construction costs to bring that online various funding levels or funding revenue sources for that and then of course outreach degree outreach to the neighbors Um, And then, and then move forward and back to the city council if necessary. Okay, Vice Mayor. |
| 02:59:50.36 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you,. Let me make a suggestion. So to the extent there was going to be a change in the structure itself that might alter the density from an outward appearance, perhaps this could be agendized for the Planning Commission and they could hold a study session, which the Planning Commission often does on potential projects that could serve the dual purpose of looking at the feasibility of building it out, but also provide public comment forum. Although it may in this instance be worthwhile to have a simultaneous public comment or public notice procedure to the surrounding neighbors. So it sounds like there's, There's process in place. I just want to make sure the community is aware of that to air this and to have it be discussed from a building standpoint. So if density is the concern or some type of view impact or the ADU, it feels like the Planning Commission could be a good tool to, that further. |
| 03:00:48.34 | Jill Hoffman | So the concept is there is no change in view corridor. There is no, the only change in density is that it would be two units instead of one, which I don't think would trigger a planning review, planning commission review. I absolutely agree. There needs to be outreach to neighbors though. . and to bring it online as quickly as possible, given the lapse of time between when we received the request in 2019. So, Go ahead, council member Cleveland-Nulls and then council member Blousting. |
| 03:01:19.23 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Yeah, thank you, Mary. So I think there's a little bit of confusion when in your public presentation, you said two units plus an ADU. Thank you. |
| 03:01:26.31 | Jill Hoffman | Oh, no. |
| 03:01:26.47 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | No. Yeah. Well, you could do, I mean, you know, So anyway, I think that's just causing some can do this. |
| 03:01:33.55 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, let me, that was the maximum that you could get, I think with the, |
| 03:01:35.24 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. |
| 03:01:38.63 | Jill Hoffman | with the current square footage, but I would just say, then let's just talk about two units, top floor and bottom floor. |
| 03:01:46.14 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | I... Yeah, I mean, I'm not, so I, From my perspective, what I think we need to do is go back to what we asked for in March, which was a condition assessment. to see what we can do with the property, what it's going to take to make it habitable. I mean, that's where we were. months ago. And then when we know that amount of money and how many units we can get, we can determine you know, if an ADU is appropriate with that amount of with the space that we have. and an amount of money that's feasible, then we can go forward. But I think we're still lacking the original information we directed staff to provide us. in March. And I think the problem was we did follow up multiple times with Charlie Francis, who was the staff person tasked with this. But at the time, he was also tasked with multiple other projects and it sounds like at some point it just fell through the So we still don't have the basic information that we need, I think, to assess And then I would agree with the vice mayor that once we know what we want to do, if we're just doing interior improvements, it doesn't need to go to the planning commission. if we're doing exterior improvements that, you know, extends the building envelope, which sounds like something you're not proposing right now. then I do agree that would go to the Planning Commission. But I'm just not clear. because we just didn't get the that it based information, what we're actually talking about at this point. |
| 03:03:26.23 | Jill Hoffman | So there was an assessment report. It was prepared by Golden Gate Home Inspections and it was dated April 13th, 2021. There is an assessment. Although I think Um, There is an assessment. There was a, there was a, recommendation, but my recollection was the recommendation was to tear it down and build something else. So, So I'm going to |
| 03:03:54.36 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | So that was after our public hearing that the |
| 03:03:57.41 | Jill Hoffman | That was part of the |
| 03:03:58.04 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | That was attached to the staff report. |
| 03:04:00.31 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 03:04:00.33 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | the don't get on the |
| 03:04:00.35 | Chris Gallagher | Thank you. |
| 03:04:00.36 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 03:04:00.38 | Chris Gallagher | I don't know. |
| 03:04:00.70 | Jill Hoffman | Yeah. |
| 03:04:01.60 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | The last time I heard this was in March and you said it was in April. Thank you. |
| 03:04:07.18 | Mary Wagner | Thank you. |
| 03:04:07.33 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. |
| 03:04:07.37 | Mary Wagner | If I... |
| 03:04:07.89 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. |
| 03:04:07.99 | Mary Wagner | if I can, Madam Mayor. So thank you, council member McLevin. And also there is an assessment report that was prepared by Golden Gate Home Inspections and it stated |
| 03:04:08.18 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Yeah, go ahead. I'm going to join them. |
| 03:04:18.77 | Mary Wagner | April 13, 2021, it's referenced in your staff report. We didn't include it as an attachment, but one thing you may want to consider is referring that report to your building official and or public works director Have them, if that's acceptable to the city manager, you know, go through that information and, determine if additional information is needed or if we have enough uh, info regarding the, the condition. I did see a reference to a letter from Mr. Webb, but I don't believe it had the level of detail that this inspection report included. |
| 03:04:54.68 | Jill Hoffman | Okay. So we have an assessment. |
| 03:04:58.43 | Melissa Blaustein | The assessment was for bringing the property up to code. The assessment wasn't for additional units. It was the cost for it as a single family uptick had wanted to see how the total number of units and the prospectus for all of that. |
| 03:05:13.28 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, so what we needed then is an assessment if we don't have one already. to what it would cost to do two units, and then what the funding source would be and how we would how we would move forward for that in a timeline. Right. So. Um, I think then, maybe that this is scheduled for another city council meeting in the near future, near term, I would say, how long? You know, 60 days. to come back. Um, and, uh, and, report on where we're at with the Dorothy Gibson House. I'm just trying to move it forward. I'm just trying to move it forward in a way that gets it to a unit for our staff and a unit for the proposed concept for the pilot program. So. That's what I would suggest, that we set this for a date certain maybe March or March. I mean, if we have an assessment that's usable, and that we can get an estimate about how much it would cost to bring these units online and what the timeline would be then I think if you you know, to bring it back to the city council if necessary. I mean, it's not really necessary, right? If we agree with the concept, and we wanna move forward, then we get the assessment, we do some outreach with the neighbors, of course, and then we move forward. So that's what I would suggest. Any objection to that timeline? No objections? No objection, that sounds fine to me. Okay. All right, so then unless objection, I would say that's the direction to staff. Is that clear to staff? Okay, Mary's shaking her head yes, I'm guessing, I see no objection. Okay, then we're finished with item this item the Dorothy Gibson house and I hope that we can bring it online and in these ways that we've discussed tonight so I think that's exciting OK. Moving on to Uh-huh. Moving on to our next item. Which is... Item 4D It's the city manager's highlights and a presentation to me Mayor Hoffman. 2021 city highlights. City manager, are you ready to go? I know you can wait. |
| 03:07:38.54 | Chris Zapata | Yeah. |
| 03:07:39.76 | Jill Hoffman | You're excited. |
| 03:07:40.74 | Chris Zapata | Can you hear me? |
| 03:07:41.93 | Jill Hoffman | I can hear you. |
| 03:07:43.54 | Chris Zapata | Thank you. Uh, and just note that this was scheduled for meeting in December. to push to January so that all could be present. And just to begin, I'm putting a chronological order, 2021 was a busy year. And that's an understatement. You started with a global pandemic that affected families, businesses, cities, counties, and countries. And working through that beginning in January along with the beginning of the homeless challenge that we have in our community today. That's how you kicked off the year with three new council people, Council Member Gloufstein, Vice Mayor Kelman, and Council Member Sobieski. You had an interim city manager that was working with you by the name of Marsha Rains who provided her services to the community after the retirement of a long-term city manager, Adam Pollitzer. You approved a general plan update. You appointed a housing element advisory committee. And then you also hired a new city manager in June who is me. uh, You adopted your budget in June as well. you begin to look at all the events in the community and try to restore them so that South Slava could then begin to recover from the COVID crisis and bring residents and visitors together in our community. You provided funding to the economic development advisory committee for a number initiatives. You approved a six year capital improvement program And very importantly, in October, you held a strategic planning session on a Saturday to talk about what the path forward was for the city. Yeah. In this calendar year, as I said, you were extremely busy. 50 regular or special council meetings. You've appointed 26 people to boards, committees, and commissions that volunteer their work on behalf of Sausalito. You have been doing all this together and with Mayor Hoffman as the mayor. I want to speak a little bit about Mayor Hoffman and six months I've worked in Sausalito. You know, I understand she's the longest serving city council person on the council You know, I have seen her chair like this meeting countless hours of community meetings as you know, respond to citizens in person by telephone and certainly by email. She has been along with Council Member Blaustein the person involved with the Homeless Committee, And, you know, there's an ongoing commitment in that regard. She's worked tirelessly in that arena with our staff, our partners, and with Council Member Blasting. You know, her participation in the finance committee has been instrumental in how we've restructured the finance department in a COVID environment in trying to create a better sustainable resource base Obviously diversity, equity, inclusion, LGBTQ initiative had advanced, under her leadership as a mayor of our city. Our relationships with Marin City have been strengthened She's a constant presence at community events like Jazz by the Bay or even Lighting the Christmas Tree. So it's been a very busy year under her term as mayor of the community in the city of Sausalito. At this time, I'd like to invite city council people to to provide their thoughts on the year under her leadership and then have Mayor Hoffman conclude. |
| 03:11:21.93 | Melissa Blaustein | Councilman Blaustein, go ahead. Yeah, this was a really difficult time to step into the mayorship and that you had three new council members on the bench and you had been out for a little bit of time too so I think we held more meetings than ever in the history of a city council in a 12 month period. We, I think that's a record that we can be proud of and hold on to. And we certainly got a lot done under your leadership. You're definitely a get it done mayor. in a big way and pushed a lot of things over the line. Just really appreciate the extra hours of service that you put in in the role and the amount of time and commitment you've put into the city of Sausalito and into this position of leadership. Thank you very much for a very productive year with a bunch of rookies who were figuring it out as we went along as well. And thank you for the hard work alongside on the Homelessness Committee. It's been definitely many, many hours spent in many, many meetings and a quite a big effort that you've put forth. So wanted to acknowledge that as well. |
| 03:12:27.71 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate that. Um, Across my screen, it says Vice Mayor and then Councilor Sobieski and then Councilor Cleve-A-Null. So go ahead, Vice Mayor. |
| 03:12:37.09 | Janelle Kellman | I'm glad there's no timer for me, but it is late so I'll try to keep it short. I just feel so fortunate that Jill, you and I have enjoyed just a really wonderful close working relationship and have been able to brainstorm solutions on a number of issues, both within the council and on the numerous subcommittees that we work on together. And you know my affinity for the finance committee, and I'm so proud of the work that we did together. And it was with your guidance and your leadership that I feel like I was able to take this vice mayor role and really learn. And just really wanna thank you for that. And thank you for your leadership of our community during some very interesting, intriguing, and difficult times. And your willingness to bring creativity and decisive leadership in time of need. So I thank you. I think the entire community thanks you for your service. And I just look forward to continue to work with you and maintaining that that close relationship and figure out to do the best for our community together. Thank you, appreciate that. |
| 03:13:33.17 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 03:13:33.19 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. |
| 03:13:36.76 | Janelle Kellman | . |
| 03:13:36.90 | Jill Hoffman | so I will go ahead. |
| 03:13:38.32 | Ian Sobieski | Thank you, Mayor. So Jill, I met you at an entrepreneurs event. long ago and uh and i always look when i meet an entrepreneur about what really animates them and what it makes you at the end clearly is public service. You are a captain in the United States Navy. and have dedicated your life to the service of this country. You were called Way on Duty to serve the country on active duty. You have volunteered for what's essentially an unpaid position because you care about Sausalito. everything you do I know has its roots in that intention. And it's worth honoring that and remembering And You saw here tonight, a lot of people, some people bottom. Forget that. call not just you but lots of other city council members and staff and others names and and have all kinds of criticisms for getting that that we're all here to attempt our best to serve and you always do your best in the service of the city. And you certainly got dealt some big projects this year that you've helped lead us through. Congratulations. I'm proud to call you a friend. And thank you for your service to the community. |
| 03:14:54.49 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. Councilman Cleveland-Nulls. |
| 03:15:00.36 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Great, thank you, Mayor. And I think the other council members and vice mayor have made my job easier in the sense that they've already noted so many of the highlights and our city manager highlights from the year and highlights and tokens or aspects of your leadership qualities. I just wanna thank you for your hard work this year, your dedication, and your innovation. I think we had a really creative and innovative hiring process for our city manager, which I think is probably something that hasn't been done in many communities and I think it was a really It's just thoughtful and energetic process that you oversaw. And I think it highlighted the excellence you strive for in Sausalito and that you want for the town. And I would just echo the comments about, I think in pretty much everything you do, your love for Sausalito and your dedication and your passion for our town. shine through. And I think you are amazingly well respected. and admired by the community for that and for your hard work and making this a better place to live. So thank you for that. And, uh, Appreciate everything you do. |
| 03:16:21.45 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. Thank you for those kind words. Um, You know, it's been a, My turn now. It's been just an incredible honor to serve as the mayor of Sausalito. What an incredible town we have. You know, I'm always amazed at our citizens. You know, everybody's engaged in the debate here in Sausalito and everybody brings their assets to the table for whatever it is that we're doing. And tonight I feel like was a showcase of that and a very proud showcase for me of that. We had, you know, anything you need, any expert you need in Sausalito, There's one here and usually if you ask them to help they'll help and so that was really on display with our edak proposal or the Sorry, the Sausalito. the reuse of B of A and really honing in and thinking about how we wanted to use that building. and having community members pull those ideas together and bring them forward so that we could have this great asset in Sausalito |
| 03:17:23.53 | Unknown | . |
| 03:17:25.99 | Jill Hoffman | It's just again a showcase of what kind of people we have here in town. You know, the fact that Dorothy Gibson was such a valued and loved person in our community and she loved us so much that she left us her house, her jewel, little jewel of a house for the people, for the workers of Sausalito because she cared about this town so much and she loved it so much. And so, These things are important to us. We've had a great year. I thought a lot about the future of Sausalito during my first term about how we could propel forward. And in fact, yeah, I think that might have been one of council members of Sobieski's in mind. First conversations I know I talked with Councilman Blasian about. I know I talked to Vice Mayor Kilman I don't know Councilman Cleveland Knowles if I board you or not with my thoughts on that. But I feel like we made a huge step forward in what I talked about last year. I think when I took over as mayor, Isoslio 2.0 and how everybody should bring their their A game because we're going to move fast and we were going to make hopefully a lot of positive changes. And I think we've seen that. with the reinstatement of the finance director and really a rebuild of the finance department Hiring a new community development director reconfiguration of the Parks and Rec Department and really taking a hard, hard look at efficiencies, where we could find them, how we do business, how we can organize ourselves better. and how we can provide better service at a lower cost to the people of Sausalito. I feel like we made a lot of steps forward. And I feel good about the path that we're on at this point. Obviously the biggest challenge was the growing crisis of the encampment of unsheltered people in Sausalito. and navigating through that as an amateur in this world of Um, of unsheltered people and trying to access government programs in an aggressive way with Councilmember Blaustein to try to bring shelter units to the table. Um, You know, there's there's work to be done on that. I feel like We're much closer than we were a year ago. but I hope in the next you know short term that we can actually do some substantial and meaningful assets to the table and bring those for that effort. Um, I think, Yeah. In closing, I am so proud of Sausalito. I'm so proud of the people that live here. I'm so proud of what we prioritize in our town. It's not always about money. It's about what best serves the community. And again, that's why I think the B of A presentation was an excellent presentation of that. we're poised perfectly, I think, for the next generation. of Sausalito and Sausalito 2.0. I can't give you my thanks And now she's... Sausalito, my fellow council members, um, and all the work and effort that we've all put in this year. a hard year, but I think it's been a stellar year. And thanks to our new city manager who jumped in with both feet. And to our actually our interim city manager as well, Marsha Raines, who helped us navigate those first few months which were a lot rockier, I think, than she had anticipated as well. Thank you very much. I'm honored and I'm humbled by the support of the people of Sausalito and by my fellow council members and by the staff. So thank you so much. And with that, We will open up public comment on this. I don't. |
| 03:21:11.24 | Kay Carlson | Maybe one. |
| 03:21:11.43 | Jill Hoffman | in line. Thank you. |
| 03:21:15.86 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, it looks like we do have two public commenters. |
| 03:21:19.09 | Jill Hoffman | Okay. Go ahead. |
| 03:21:20.59 | Walfred Solorzano | First one is Lorna. Lorna, you've been unmuted and has to share your video. |
| 03:21:33.03 | Lorna Newland | Hi, I just wanted to thank all of you for all of your comments. Thank you, Jill, for being there. I mean, you've come into the Chamber Visitor Center. You came around to the Wednesday Night Live. You came to the holiday show. You know, we all appreciate what you've done and what you do to this town and also all the council members. It was really nice to, you know, I haven't been on a lot of Zooms this year and Just, you know, hearing everything that it obviously it's been a tough two years for everyone. And I appreciate all you do. Uh... I just told my husband, don't worry, I'm not going to ever run for city council. So but I will I will I won't run for it, but I will be here to support and speak out for friends, businesses, neighbors, you know, where where it's warranted. And, you know, I've lived here 28 years. I I've known so many people here, but thank you all for your service this year. Thank you. Happy New Year. |
| 03:22:34.25 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. Okay, thank you. |
| 03:22:42.45 | Walfred Solorzano | Our next speaker is Eva, Eva's iPhone. Eva, you've been unmuted. |
| 03:22:48.22 | Eva | Thanks. I wanted to thank Mayor Hoffman too. I'm sorry. Can you hear me? Yes. Go ahead. Thanks. I wanted to thank Mayor Hoffman too. I you know, I've had lots and lots of disagreements with the mayor over the years. But I am |
| 03:22:53.42 | Jill Hoffman | Yes, go ahead. |
| 03:23:05.50 | Eva | I'm very impressed with the way she's reached out to people. And I know that things haven't been easy. This has been an incredibly trying time. I did want to point out that Mayor Hoffman is I think has an unusual background compared to the rest of the city councils in the county because of her naval background. And that's an environment that required that she work with a really much more diverse group of people economically and racially and I think it actually has helped and it's a perspective that Marin tends to, you know, Like, I love... so many people on council and they bring a lot, but it tends to be a kind of specialized, background, science po or cryptocurrency lawyer. And these are people who also bring good things, but it doesn't quite replace that broader experience. So, you know, it's been really trying. I certainly haven't agreed with everything Mayor Hoffman's done, but I do want to recognize that unique experience she brings and say that I'm grateful for it. Thank you. Thank you. |
| 03:24:39.85 | Jill Hoffman | Okay. I so I don't see any further public comment and so I will close public comment. And we will move on to our next item on the agenda, which is Item four. D and four E. And so, The item 4D is present, whoops, sorry. I meant 4E and 4F. So for He is council election of the mayor. And for F is council election of the vice mayor. And so what we talked about before was combining the public comment for both of these two items. And so I'm going to, that, We don't have a staff report for either one of these. you know, make nominations in a like a new mayor or vice mayor. There, that's the report. And so I'll open up for public comment. for both items. |
| 03:25:39.45 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. Bye. Super, great. Thank you, Mayor. I'd like to nominate Oh, wait. Oh. |
| 03:25:46.71 | Jill Hoffman | Oh, don't we have to, I think we have to, |
| 03:25:48.08 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. Don't we usually make nominations and then take a comment? |
| 03:25:48.62 | Jill Hoffman | Don't we need to publish that. Oh, okay. |
| 03:25:51.84 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. |
| 03:25:51.94 | Jill Hoffman | Bye. |
| 03:25:51.96 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Oh, gotcha, okay. |
| 03:25:52.97 | Jill Hoffman | That was fun. Sure. Let's go. |
| 03:25:55.08 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Let's go. |
| 03:25:55.60 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 03:25:55.65 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. |
| 03:25:55.67 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 03:25:55.69 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. |
| 03:25:55.74 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 03:25:55.79 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Yeah. |
| 03:25:55.81 | Jill Hoffman | different. |
| 03:25:56.04 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Bye. |
| 03:25:56.06 | Jill Hoffman | That's fine. No, that's fine. Let's let's nominations are fine. Let's go. You have nomination on the floor is |
| 03:26:02.03 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | or So I'd like to nominate our vice mayor, Janelle Kelman, for mayor and Melissa Blavstein as vice mayor. |
| 03:26:11.57 | Melissa Blaustein | I don't know if we can do it in one motion or not. I'll second Janelle Kalman's nomination for mayor. |
| 03:26:18.18 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, very good. And I'll hold off the device mirror. Yeah, I think we have to do in two motions. Okay, very good. So we have a motion on the table. for mayor and emotion for vice mayor. Do we have an alternate motion? Any alternate motions for mayor? OK, very good. No alternate motions. Do we... Let's go ahead and just do the motions for vice mayor and we'll have both those motions on the table and then we'll take public comment. Okay, go ahead. Motion for vice mayor. |
| 03:26:45.38 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | So I'll renew my motion for vice mayor to be Masha Blasphine. I'll second that. |
| 03:26:49.79 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, period. Thank you. |
| 03:26:50.85 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Okay, Brian. |
| 03:26:51.58 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 03:26:51.63 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. |
| 03:26:51.78 | Jill Hoffman | you |
| 03:26:51.86 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. |
| 03:26:51.90 | Jill Hoffman | So we have two motions on the table. Excuse me. And And two seconds. Very good. So let's open up public comment. |
| 03:27:02.76 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, we do have a public commenter and it's David Sudo. David, you've been unmuted and asked to share your video. |
| 03:27:12.87 | David Sudo | Good evening again. You know, I want to add quickly to my thanks to Jill for her service as mayor this year. It's been a long, long year and she's put a lot of work in. And despite the emails of people who wanted her to continue, I think I think she needs to be able to do what she needs to be doing after having done her service to our country and then be served as mayor this year with all the work she's put in. I really appreciate all that work. I think Janelle will make an excellent mayor for next year and Melissa will make an excellent Um, Vice Mayor, I You know, and eventually I think Ian will make an excellent vice mayor and mayor as well. Uh... And Okay. I guess those are my comments. Thank you. |
| 03:28:05.98 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thanks very much. I don't see any other I don't see any other hands up. So I will close public comment at this time. And so Mr. Clerk, could you please call the vote on the two motions? I guess we'll start with Mayor first. And that will hand the reins to the new mayor and then the new mayor can take work her way through the Second motion. Oh. |
| 03:28:34.65 | Ian Sobieski | Anyway, |
| 03:28:36.32 | Jill Hoffman | Oh, go ahead. Yeah, Ian. |
| 03:28:37.37 | Ian Sobieski | I was just going to make a comment that these nominations are reflective of the regular Uh, that we, um, No has not always been followed in the history of Sausalito, but by doing so, I hope establishes and reinforces a tradition of regular order. and one that I hope will serve as a precedent to make make it clear how the unfolding of the transition in the office will occur in it for future years. |
| 03:29:09.87 | Jill Hoffman | Okay, thank you. I think there's a there's a motion on the table. There's a second and a call for a roll vote. |
| 03:29:17.78 | Walfred Solorzano | Councilmember Zubieski. Yes. |
| 03:29:19.52 | Unknown | Yeah. |
| 03:29:20.65 | Walfred Solorzano | Councilmember Blomstein. |
| 03:29:22.44 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 03:29:22.47 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. |
| 03:29:22.90 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 03:29:22.91 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 03:29:23.60 | Walfred Solorzano | Council Member Cleveland also. |
| 03:29:25.46 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 03:29:25.49 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. |
| 03:29:26.42 | Walfred Solorzano | Vice Mayor Kellman. |
| 03:29:27.77 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. |
| 03:29:28.65 | Walfred Solorzano | Mayor Hoffman. |
| 03:29:29.56 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. Very good. Vice Mayor Kelman, you are now Mayor Kelman. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you everybody. We're a rarefied group of mayors of Sausalito and I will |
| 03:29:35.79 | Shelby Van Meter | Thank you, thank you everybody. |
| 03:29:40.92 | Jill Hoffman | hand over to you to call our next motion. Thank you. |
| 03:29:43.33 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you, I am honored. I'd like to say, I wish we could hand Janelle the virtual bouquet of flowers that Adam and Serge always had at the ready and, |
| 03:29:43.84 | Jill Hoffman | I am honored. |
| 03:29:52.73 | Sharna Brockett | Yeah. |
| 03:29:54.81 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Here, real applause. It's too bad we're doing it virtually. |
| 03:29:57.40 | Sharna Brockett | Thank you. |
| 03:29:57.73 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Thank you. |
| 03:29:57.98 | Janelle Kellman | Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. I'm looking forward to getting started in 2022. And Joe, my morning's often started with you and my evenings often ended with you on a call. So I am hoping to pass that torch to our new vice mayor, Blasin. So Serge, would you please do us the honor of calling the role for the vice mayor? |
| 03:30:16.49 | Walfred Solorzano | Of course, and if I make a mistake, please bear with me. Council member Zowiecki? Council Member Blaustein. |
| 03:30:26.06 | Melissa Blaustein | Yes. |
| 03:30:26.83 | Walfred Solorzano | Council member Clever-Knolls. |
| 03:30:28.56 | Melissa Blaustein | Yes. |
| 03:30:29.06 | Sue King | Thank you. |
| 03:30:30.01 | Walfred Solorzano | Council member Hoffman. |
| 03:30:33.55 | Sue King | Yes. |
| 03:30:33.95 | Jill Hoffman | Thank you. |
| 03:30:34.34 | Walfred Solorzano | and Mayor Kelman. |
| 03:30:36.30 | Jill Hoffman | Yes. Very good, congratulations. |
| 03:30:39.39 | Shelby Van Meter | Congratulations. |
| 03:30:41.14 | Jill Hoffman | What's the thing? Can I ask your indulgence, Mayor, for one thing? I forgot to accept my plaque. By all means, you set the plan. Is it virtual? |
| 03:30:50.27 | Sue King | Thank you. |
| 03:30:52.00 | Jill Hoffman | Yeah, I forgot to accept my virtual I'm going to collect. for my my second term as mayor. So wait, can you guys see it? |
| 03:31:01.41 | Carolyn Revell | Thank you. |
| 03:31:01.43 | Jill Hoffman | They're real. Is that real? What happened? There we go. OK, here it is. Someone hands just handed this to me. Here's my flag. Thank you very much. |
| 03:31:11.67 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | As my kids say, it's the half gavel. It's like a devil sliced in half. |
| 03:31:16.67 | Janelle Kellman | Bye. It's beautiful. |
| 03:31:18.03 | Jill Hoffman | Yeah. |
| 03:31:18.05 | Janelle Kellman | Yeah. |
| 03:31:18.27 | Jill Hoffman | Bye. |
| 03:31:18.30 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. |
| 03:31:19.06 | Jill Hoffman | Sorry to interrupt. |
| 03:31:19.10 | Janelle Kellman | Start with pride. |
| 03:31:20.78 | Jill Hoffman | Go ahead. |
| 03:31:21.66 | Janelle Kellman | We're proud. Thank you everybody. I'm all moved to take any community I guess we already did a communications at a time for items, not on the agenda. Now would be the time for public comment. |
| 03:31:36.11 | Janelle Kellman | Sir, should we have any hands up? |
| 03:31:39.04 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, it does not look like we have any hands raised for that item. |
| 03:31:43.67 | Janelle Kellman | Okay, council member committee reports have been submitted in writing. So we'll move on to item seven, city manager reports, city council appointments, other council business of which we have none, but I will hand it over to the city manager |
| 03:31:56.19 | Ian Sobieski | Mayor Kjellman? |
| 03:31:56.22 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. Oh yes, tell us remember Sebastian. |
| 03:31:59.17 | Ian Sobieski | There were some guests. Just since we had the EDAC meeting yesterday, could I just say one thing about the EDAC report? Please. Since there wasn't a chance to submit something writing. |
| 03:32:04.59 | Janelle Kellman | this. |
| 03:32:07.81 | Ian Sobieski | At yesterday's EDAC meeting, They did what they did a year ago, which is an exercise of looking for priorities. that they should now focus on. We were presented with six a year ago and three were directed towards them. They've met those three and they're wanting council guidance on the next set of priorities. So sometime. It may be via a letter from EDAC or hopefully prior to and then eventually a presentation to us at either the 24th or in the first meeting in February. But just please, if such a letter does come through, please give it your attention and consider what you want EDAC to focus on next. more than a dozen priorities and lead those window down to a workable subset. Thanks. |
| 03:33:04.58 | Unknown | Thank you for that. |
| 03:33:04.67 | Ian Sobieski | Oh, and just kudos to EDAC for doing the holiday by the day and Candy Cane Lane and Monica Finnegan and everyone there for just an incredible contribution to the community in December that really, as Kevin Kerling said, transformed an area of our town and and showed what just showed the new energy and vigor in this time of stress and some darkness because of our pandemic. A harbinger of better things to count. |
| 03:33:34.05 | Janelle Kellman | Also plan to see that February is the month of romance and EDAC is working on full programming. And don't forget the Super Bowl coming up. So hope to see you all there. Any other comments for community reports since we're on the, on the topic. If not, we'll move on to the city manager. Madam Mayor, I apologize. Did we take public comment on committee reports? Thank you, City Attorney. We did not, any public comment on Committee reports. |
| 03:34:02.09 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Sorry, Mayor and City Attorney. I think we take public comment on all the item seven at once, usually. Thank you. |
| 03:34:11.03 | Mary Wagner | you. |
| 03:34:11.15 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | And... |
| 03:34:11.54 | Mary Wagner | Yeah, this for some reason you have item six as committee reports and then item seven you take public comment on seven B through E. |
| 03:34:17.63 | Janelle Kellman | I don't know. 7B. |
| 03:34:20.69 | Mary Wagner | OK, sorry about that. |
| 03:34:22.04 | Janelle Kellman | No worries. Thank you. Thank you both. City Clerk, do you see any public comment on item six? |
| 03:34:25.41 | Walfred Solorzano | I'm sorry. clerk. |
| 03:34:29.29 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, it does not appear as we have any public comment at the moment. |
| 03:34:33.14 | Janelle Kellman | Okay, so then we will move on to item seven, city manager report. |
| 03:34:39.25 | Mary Wagner | So apologies, Madam Mayor, here I am again. As council member Cleveland Knowles just indicated, you do take public comment at the top of item seven for item seven B through seven E. that's the city manager information for the council appointments to boards and commission and future agenda items and any, other reports of significance. So it'd be appropriate to take that public comment now and then turn to each of those items in turn. |
| 03:35:03.35 | Janelle Kellman | I suppose I always felt it made more sense after, but I'd be happy to. So let's take public comment on Any of the item seven items? |
| 03:35:13.20 | Walfred Solorzano | Madam Mayor, we have no hands raised. |
| 03:35:15.63 | Janelle Kellman | Okay, thank you very much. Thank you, city attorney. And now we're going to move on item seven. City Manager Report. |
| 03:35:22.77 | Chris Zapata | Thank you, Mayor Kelman. I'll be brief. In your packet, you have a written report as requested by the agenda setting committee that outlines a reorganization plan that has been implemented after six months of working here. I'm happy to answer any questions, but don't believe that I need to speak to it. It involves the city manager department, city clerk department, the finance department, community development department, public works department, parks and recreation department, the creation of two new positions in property management grant, gaining resources, all these necessary to create a sustainable organization in my professional estimation. And some of the reports there for the community and public to comment on. Thank you. |
| 03:36:07.64 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you very much. We have no appointments of boards and commissions. Item 7D is future agenda items. I know council members Sobieski, you just indicated interest in getting the EDAC. priority list onto the agenda. Does anybody else have other future agenda items I want to mention. Yes, Councilmember Sobieski. |
| 03:36:27.94 | Ian Sobieski | Just... Back to my... Two minutes ago, I asked for the the protocols to be on our agenda. And I understand that's typical at the beginning of every year. So I'd love to have that back on so we can... The world's |
| 03:36:43.42 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. Councillor, Councillor Cleaver-Norms. |
| 03:36:47.06 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Yeah, thank you, Mayor. I would like to reiterate my request basically through PBAC that we open up the applications for the boards and commissions that have lost members and that we schedule interviews. They are at a bare, Thank you. or several at several meetings, so I think I haven't seen an application notice go out in the currents or any other for, you know, any other way. So if we could get that at least get that process started, I think they would appreciate it. And I'm not sure if other boards and commissions are similarly Under Bye. |
| 03:37:32.98 | Janelle Kellman | Thank you. |
| 03:37:33.03 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | I did. |
| 03:37:35.65 | Janelle Kellman | Great, I'll just make a note to the city clerk to both touch base tomorrow, and maybe we can get that full list and see what the overall need is. Thank you for that. Any other items, Councilman Crivenals? No, that's all tonight, thank you. Okay. Anyone else want to add anything to the future agenda items? Okay, I'm not seeing any. There is a very general other reports of significance, item 7A, Does anybody have another report of significance? |
| 03:38:03.45 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | I've been trying to get that off the agenda |
| 03:38:05.97 | Janelle Kellman | Yeah. Well, the agenda is getting that off the agenda. I will note that someone has their hand up, a public comment has been closed. So Eva, I'm sorry, but we will hear from you, I'm sure next time, but thank you for your participation. So with that, I will thank everybody for their support and their patience and congratulate my new vice mayor and call for an adjournment. |
| 03:38:07.22 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | I'm sorry. |
| 03:38:07.24 | Mary Wagner | Goodbye. |
| 03:38:07.67 | Councilmember Cleveland Knowles | Yeah. |
| 03:38:29.12 | Janelle Kellman | All right. Those are. Good night, everybody. Thank you. Good night. Congratulations. Thanks everybody. |
Timothy Logan — Against: Criticized the city for inaction, spending on legal fees instead of helping, and endangering lives. Accused the council of poor governance and called for them to step down. ▶ 📄
Cynthia Reagan — Neutral: Mentioned representation issues and personal damages claims from the camp, and expressed a desire to collaborate on solutions like building mini-homes and cleaning up. ▶ 📄
Unknown (Phone 4675) — Against: Strongly condemned the council for creating and mishandling the homeless situation, alleging human suffering and deaths. Criticized the Mayor and City Manager for lack of empathy and professional failures. ▶ 📄