The Mayor’s Week in Review (Nov. 18 - 24)

This Week’s Review is dedicated to the memories of Julia Howard and Thibault de Saint Phalle.

Our Sphere of Influence:

If anything, I’ve been prone to thinking too locally – simply because that’s what I believe I was elected to do.  Of course, we don't live in a vacuum, and our relatively small neighborhood is called Marin County.  Council knows this only too well – and so we participate on a variety of other boards – because doing so is within our “Sphere of Influence.”

The list of such assignment is quite broad, and includes things like:

·      The Association of Bay Area Governments (”ABAG”)

·      Flood Control District 3

·      League of California Cities

·      Marin Energy Authority (“MEA”)

·      Marin Telecommunications Agency (“MTA”)

·      Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce

·      Richardson Bay District

·      Marin Emergency Radio Authority (“MERA”)

·      Safe Routes to Schools

·      Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin (“SASM”)

·      Southern Marin Emergency Medical Paramedic System (“SMEMPS”)

·      Southern Marin Watershed

·      Transportation Authority of Marin (“TAM”)

·      Marin Transit District

·      Southern Marin Area Rail Transportation Board (“SMART”)

·      Marin Economic Forum

·      Marin Disaster Council

Amazing huh?  And I only listed the ones I thought you‘ve heard of!  Anyway, the point is that we don't live alone; we have to be part of the Greater Good. And yes, while not everything being done by these various groups s considered by everyone to be “good,” it’s Mill Valley’s policy to have a seat at the table to ensure we have a voice, and some influence, and the opportunity to make change from within. 

Good or bad, we need these partnerships.  They are part of our “sphere of influence.”  Without them, we have no seat at the table to discuss things like:

·      Asking for money to help pay for Miller Avenue:  As you know, staff and our design consultants are refining design and cost estimates for this comprehensive streetscape project (we anticipate a presentation to Council in January 2014).  Once Council direction is provided regarding design options and project phasing, we’ll initiate broad outreach to inform the public and to specifically coordinate with Miller Avenue businesses and residents to incorporate their concerns and accommodate needs.  We’ll also work on more funding – which is going to put us in bed with Marin County and the Transportation Authority of Marin to identify grant opportunities for our multi-modal street improvements. 

·      Having a voice to oppose a parking lot on Dias Ridge:  The City remains highly engaged in this proposal by the National Parks Service (NPS).  Council received a presentation from staff at our November 4 meeting and provided direction to stay at the table to voice our concerns with the project’s adverse impacts to our community.   Supervisors Kate Sears and Steve Kinsey have scheduled a public meeting regarding Muir Woods access, parking and road management on December 9, 2013, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Tam Valley Elementary School Multipurpose Room (350 Bell Lane, Mill Valley).   If you have questions about this meeting please contact each Supervisor through Maureen Parton (Aide to Supervisor Sears, mparton@marincounty.org) or Liza Crosse (Aide to Supervisor Kinsey at lcrosse@marincounty.org). 

·      Sharing frustrations about the Tennessee Valley traffic light:  We’ve received many comments from residents regarding the unacceptable traffic snarls the new light at Tennessee Valley road has created.  While this is not within City boundaries and not subject to our review and/or approval, we have great interest in getting this situation improved.  I’ve expressed our concerns directly to Supervisor Sears too, and have urged residents to share their concerns and suggestions directly with Kate too.  We will continue to be involved to alleviate the unintended consequences to area-wide traffic and circulation which the signal has caused.

·      Reaching consensus on fire protection within Marin Open Space:  The City and the County Open Space District have worked well together to address concerns and areas of interest while respecting differing perspectives on fire management.  The areas of mutual interest include the environment and the security of our residents – we differed on the approach taken in the development of the draft vegetation management plan, which has recently been released for public review.  Working together, at the same table, has given us an opportunity to revise the plan so that it presents a shared approach.

·      Providing Community Television:  It was so interesting listening to various campaigns around the County and hear candidates express support for public access television (which includes educational and government programming). Every City has an elected representative on the Marin Telecommunications Agency – the vehicle that drives this programming.

·      Having input on plans for Marin Emergency Radio Authority:  All cities recently received an overview / refresher of this important system and the need to make substantial upgrades to the equipment to maintain its reliability.  Most Cities have expressed some support for the upgrades – but it will take a coordinated approach to raise the money through a voter supported funding measure next year.  

These are just a few of the things that came up last week.  There’s a whole lot more out there.  Addressing them is all part of “thinking globally, participating inside our sphere of influence, and then acting locally.”

What else?

Service Service Service:  Last week Council recognized two great residents – Margaret Zegart and Elizabeth Moody.  I don't know how often you come to or watch our Council meetings, but these two matriarchs attend often and provide guidance, wisdom and constructive perspective on many issues, year in and year out.  Each was honored for their contributions to our community.

Private laterals:  Last week I wrote about the SASM Master Plan and a nasty little bugger named “I&I.” I&I is a bad thing.  This past week the SASM Board took one more step in the direction of addressing I&I when it flows from our private laterals: we agreed to create a model ordinance requiring inspection.  Any ordinance will have to come to the Council for approval – so stay tuned.

Going away for Thanksgiving?  If you are planning to go out of town for the holidays, don’t forget to request a home security check from the Mill Valley Police Department. An empty house is a tempting target for a burglar so make sure you do your best to have your home look occupied while you are away.  Even better, find a trusted friend or neighbor to watch your house, and please: don’t broadcast your travel plans on a community email group, blog, Facebook, or other social networking site.  I’ll be around if you need some help with any of the above.  Have a safe holiday season! 

How about a job?  We are seeking three Administrative Aides to fill positions in various departments and divisions in the City.  Click here for more info:  I'd like to apply. 

About town: 

Monday:  

·      Art Lecture - David Hockney: A Bigger Exhibition (7 pm at the Library):  This show was assembled exclusively for the de Young and marks the return to California of the best-known British artist of his generation. 

Tuesday:   

·      Live Storytelling Workshop (6 pm at the Library):  Here’s your chance to tell (or hear) a good story. Register here: Tell me a story please.

·      World Literature Book Club - Independent People by Halldor Laxness (7 pm at the Library).

·      Starduster Orchestra Dance (7 pm at the Community Center):  Join us for our Tuesday Dance, with the sounds of the Starduster Orchestra -- a traditional big band specializing in swing and other dance music from the 30's, 40's & 50's.

Wednesday: 

·      Digital Drop-in (Noon at the Library):  Learn how to download/stream free content (eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, films, databases) from the Library's website. 

Thursday to Sunday:  HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING!!  Remember that the Library, City Hall, Community & Aquatics/Fitness Center, and other Administrative offices are closed on Thursday & Friday.

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Thanks, as always, for reading. Let’s be thankful for Mill Valley -- and that we have a seat at a table that includes our sphere of influence. 

Andy