Approve FY 2021-2022 Budget - YES
I voted yes to approve a strong budget for the coming fiscal year that tracks with the work plan adopted by the Town Council in mid-2020. The budget is balanced and fiscally sound, while laying out an ambitious and robust slate of services and projects for our community over the coming year!
Approve 1.19% Increase in Garbage Collection Rates - YES
This was a very difficult vote for me. While a 1-2% in the cost of services for a given year is perfectly reasonable and tracks with inflation, this particular raise comes as part of a very troubling trend of sharp increases in the garbage collection rate charged by Mill Valley Refuse Service (MVRS). That trend led me to review the Town's contract with MVRS. Adopted in 1996 and expiring in 2026, our "franchise agreement" has a number of what I consider serious structural flaw
Award $827,000 Contract for Paradise Drive Sidewalk Widening - YES
I voted yes on this important safety improvement to a deficient sidewalk that's heavily used by walkers, joggers, and children going to and from school. The sidewalk along Paradise Drive has been narrow and in terrible physical condition since my time biking along it to school almost 20 years ago, and I am thrilled to see this project move forward!
Reform Administrative Fine & Appeal Process - YES
Our work to modernize and streamline Corte Madera's municipal code continues, and I voted yes to revising our rules and procedures regarding fines to residents for code violations. Critically, we added a clearer, fairer, and more efficient appeal process, making this a bit of "criminal justice reform" at the local level!