Street Sweeping Schedule: Nader Mansourian, Public Works Director, explained that two full-time street sweeping positions were eliminated in 2008 due to budget cuts. As a result, only major streets are regularly swept. Residents with special requests for residential streets with an immediate need should call the Public Works Dispatch line at 485-3375 or the Administration Office at 485-3355. Special requests should generally pertain to removal of leaves and debris to prevent or eliminate drainage clogs. In case of flooding, residents may also the Police Department at 485-3000 for immediate assistance.
SB 743: Paul Jensen, Community Development Director, discussed SB 743 which makes changes to the CA Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review process for development projects in Transit Priority Areas (TPA’s) effective January 1, 2015. These changes would exclude the review of aesthetics and parking impacts and replace the current Level of Service (LOS) methodology for assessing traffic impacts. He pointed out that these changes do not prevent local jurisdictions from considering capacity/congestion issues in TPA’s and do not affect existing local General Plan policies and application. Alternative traffic methods to replace LOS are being evaluated. A draft of the CEQA guideline revisions are expected to be completed and available for public review in April 2014.
Scenic Highways: Members of the organization seeking to designate Lucas Valley Road as the first “California Scenic Highway” in Marin shared information regarding their efforts at the county level. For more information, go to www.scenic-valley.org
Vegetation Management/KOSS/WUI: John Lippitt, Deputy Fire Marshall, and Police Sargent, Roy Leon reviewed the Keeping Open Space Safe (KOSS) and Wildlife Urban Interface (WUI) programs. The city has spent $72,902 from Measure A funds on numerous vegetation management projects in FY 2013-2014. The Fire Department is continuing its efforts to educate the public regarding WUI and vegetation management. John explained that the San Rafael local ordinance requires 100 ft. of defensible space to be maintained between open space and neighboring structures. It is the property owner’s responsibility to clean up to their property line. It is the adjacent private parcel owner’s responsibility to clean the balance of the footage from the property line out to the 100 ft. requirement. Upon request, the Fire Department will conduct a Residential Fire Hazard Assessment at no charge. A copy of the request form is available at http://www.cityofsanrafael.org/fire-prevent-vegmgt-home/
Other: Sargent Leon is responsible for the city’s homeless management program. He has two rangers assigned to patrol parks and open space in order to identify and eliminate homeless encampments in high fire danger areas. In the event that you become aware of a homeless encampment, contact Sargent Leon at 485-3452.
A CERT class will be held beginning April 10. Spaces are still available. To sign up go to http://readymarin.org/