The Coalition meets monthly with the City of San Rafael along with two other umbrella groups (Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods and Coalition of North San Rafael) to discuss activities, concerns and/or issues that are not readily addressed directly with the appropriate City agencies or where there is concern about the City’s approach. Items are placed on the agenda by the City and/or the three umbrella groups. This provides the Coalition with an opportunity to raise issues of particular interest to residents of our area. If you have any suggestions regarding potential topics for these meetings, we urge you to let us know via the Coalition Board contact form. Following is a summary of the most recent meeting:
Jim Shutz, City Manager, ran the meeting in the absence of Mayor Philips who was ill.
State Laws Regulating Second Dwelling Units: Paul Jensen, Community Development Director, presented information on a new state bill, Requirement for Accessory Dwelling Units (formerly called second units). There is concern that the bill is not well-written, but as of January 1, 2017 local jurisdictions must adhere to it. It allows for the waiving of parking requirements if the dwelling is within a half mile of public transit. In hilly areas of San Rafael this could be a problem. The regulation is Assembly Bill 2299 introduced by Assembly Member Richard Bloom whose contact information is: address. State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento, CA 94249-0050; telephone (916) 319-2050; fax (916) 319-2150
Leash Law Enforcement: Cindy Machado of the Marin Humane Society responded to expressions of concern about aggressive unleashed dogs at City parks (this includes the boardwalk and breakwater areas at the Loch Lomond Marina). The Humane Society enforces San Rafael leash laws in the parks. A situation with a harassing dog is considered to be an emergency so the impacted person should contact the Humane Society as soon as possible with a description of the dog, photos of the dog and owner if possible, information about the owner’s car, etc. Less urgent incidents should also be reported. The number to call during regular hours Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00-5:30 is (415) 883-4621. The after-hoursbphone is (415) 309-6339 (5:30 p.m. until 10:00 pm and all day and evening on Monday). When there is a complaint area the Humane Society will make regular patrols to the extent staffing allows.
Transit Center Relocation Update: Paul Jensen reported that information sessions about three relocation options are being held with the various entities involved such as the Golden Gate Bridge District, Marin Transit, etc. The City Council had an information session in late October or early November which can be viewed online through the City web site. An EIR will be needed. This process usually takes 12-18 months and has not yet begun.
Whistlestop Relocation Update: Paul Jensen explained that City staff has been having pre-application meetings with BioMarin and Whistlestop about relocating Whistlestop to the west end of the former PG&E property. The rest of this property will house offices and laboratory space for an expansion of BioMarin. There has been no information on the future of the current Whistlestop building.
Announcement: On December 19th, an overview of the Essential Services Project will be presened at the City Council meeting.On December 19th, an overview of the Essential Services Project will be presented at the City Council meeting.