Corte Madera Widens Outside Probe of Closed-Session Disclosures; Tobacco Ban Passes

Corte Madera's Town Council voted Sept. 15 to give an outside investigator a broader mandate to examine alleged disclosures from closed sessions, with Councilmember Pat Ravasio recused. The same meeting needed three extensions to finish. In that time, the council adopted a 3-2 ban on the town's remaining tobacco and nicotine sales and advanced a sweeping commercial zoning rewrite, all on Town Manager Adam Wolff's final night.

---

• Outside investigation broadened 3-0-1: Brown Act and public-resource questions, closed sessions from March through Sept. 1
• Tobacco and nicotine sales end Feb. 1, 2027, after a 3-2 vote with the mayor dissenting
• Commercial code overhaul introduced 4-0, with first-ever food truck rules and new permit fees
• County outlines El Niño flood prep; residents press for concrete help before the holidays

---

Council Widens Outside Probe of Closed-Session Disclosures

Why it matters: An independent fact-finder will now examine alleged violations of the Brown Act, California's open-meetings law, and of Government Code 8314, which governs the use of public resources. Speakers want the findings public before voters decide in November.

Where things stand: The item was continued from Sept. 1 and moved up in the order. As first drafted, the probe covered disclosures from the May 20 and Aug. 11, 2026, closed sessions. It relied on a limited waiver of Brown Act confidentiality under Government Code 54963.

Andrew Bland, principal of A.W. Bland Workplace Legal Services, said his role would be fact-finding only. He aims to deliver a report within two weeks of gathering the last evidence and estimated the cost at $10,000 to $12,000.

The council then expanded the scope. Vice Mayor Fred Casissa moved to add the Aug. 20 meeting. "I think we should just budget up to $15,000 just to be on the safe side to cover," he said.

Councilmember Eli Beckman pushed further. "I suggest that we authorize the independent fact-finder to investigate all violations of both code sections," he said. His proposal also widened the waiver window to March through Sept. 1. The town attorney said the broader waiver covers attorney-client privilege as well. The motion as stated did not set a final dollar cap.

The other side: Ravasio welcomed a full investigation but questioned the expense. She asked to add the June 16 meeting to the probe, and Casissa and Beckman declined. "I would like to say that I am very happy to recuse myself," Ravasio said. Beckman countered, "The town council has followed the town attorney's legal advice every step of the way."

Public commenter Todd Williams, a lawyer in the Alta Woods dispute, argued for her recusal. "Councilmember Ravasio cannot simultaneously be the subject of the investigation and an adjudicator of whether the council should investigate that conduct," he said. All conduct described remains alleged pending the investigation.

Decisions and stakeholder impacts: The amended Resolution 39-2026 passed. For: 3 (Beckman, Casissa, Mayor Rosa Thomas). Abstain: 1 (Councilmember James Andrews). Recused: 1 (Ravasio). "I'm going to abstain from this whole thing," Andrews said.

Public commenter Matt Kaufman said he strongly supports the fact-finding. David McPherson added, "I would really hope that this report is completed and distributed well before the election."

What's next: The report returns to the council. According to the town attorney, the council can release the full report or an executive summary, seek a legal opinion, or refer the matter to the district attorney or grand jury.

---

Tobacco, Nicotine Sales End in 2027 After 3-2 Vote

The basics: Ordinance 1059 took effect Sept. 1. It set a minimum floor price and banned vapes, e-cigarettes, heated systems and nicotine pouches. Ordinance 1060 ends sales of the remaining tobacco and nicotine products.

Why it matters: Retailers lose a product line after a short grace period. Youth and public health advocates call the policy a national model.

Where things stand: The second reading was pulled from consent for discussion. It followed a workplan item, a June 16 workshop, hearings on Aug. 4 and Sept. 1, and a 3-2 vote on Sept. 1 to introduce Option 1B.

The ordinance takes effect 30 days after adoption. Existing licensed retailers may sell through Jan. 31, 2027, and the ban becomes enforceable Feb. 1, 2027. Staff said there is no hardship extension and no permanent product- or business-specific exception. Delivery sales are prohibited.

Students led the support. "I am for a complete end of sales for all tobacco and nicotine products," said Allegra Andreoli, a Tam High student. Kaz Rubell of Redwood High School's Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) team said "closing retail access is one of the most effective ways to prevent youth addiction." Megan Manning of Action on Smoking and Health backed the policy and urged an exemption for FDA-approved cessation products.

The other side: Industry groups and local sellers argued Ordinance 1059 deserved time to work. Taylor Hassell, executive director of the American Petroleum and Convenience Store Association, noted 1059 had been in force only two weeks. Monty, owner of Paradise, said, "I respectfully ask that the council give new rule time to work."

Matt Ernesto of Total Wine and More cited a $100,000 humidor investment and asked for a premium-cigar exception. "Respectfully submit that the blanket ban before you casts too wide of a net," he said. Glenn Loop of the Premium Cigar Association argued "strict regulation works better than prohibition." The National Association of Tobacco Outlets also opposed the ban, and resident Inga Morrison called the issue a parental matter.

On the dais, Thomas noted 1059 had passed unanimously. "I just hope that this draconian approach is reconsidered," she said. Andrews cited personal responsibility and disparate impact. "I believe it's harmful to small businesses in this town," he said.

Decisions and stakeholder impacts: Ravasio moved adoption, citing federal court findings against the tobacco industry. Another councilmember pointed to health care costs and equity. For: 3 (Beckman, Casissa, Ravasio). Against: 2 (Andrews, Thomas).

Retailers, including Total Wine and More, face a hard stop with no carve-outs. Opponents warned that buyers will shift to neighboring towns.

What's next: End-of-sales enforcement begins Feb. 1, 2027.

---

Zoning Rewrite Opens Door to Food Trucks, Microbusinesses

Why it matters: The Commercial Code Modernization package aims to fill vacant commercial space. It creates the town's first rules for temporary uses and mobile vending.

Where things stand: Staff said the package reflects about a year of work, including a survey with roughly 160 responses, two Planning Commission study sessions and two workshops. The Planning Commission voted 4-0 on Aug. 11. It added one tree per 10 spaces in lots of 11 or more and required a use permit for any microbusiness at Menke Park.

The changes to Titles 12 and 18 include:
- More by-right uses
- Outdoor dining, display and fitness allowances
- Parking flexibility and temporary-use rules
- Housing element implementation
- Rezoning of 2 Tamalpais Drive

Food trucks would be allowed at Town Park (four), San Clemente Park (one) and Menke Park (one, by use permit), plus one more elsewhere by use permit.

Fees under Resolution 41-2026 include an $800 temporary use permit, a $1,000 microbusiness application deposit, and licensing at $0.50 or $1 per square foot per month.

Council members raised parking concerns at Menke Park. "We very specifically did not look at locations as part of the ordinance," said Community Development Director Amy Lyle. She said truck location guidelines will follow.

Decisions and stakeholder impacts: Supporters included Amy, the Town Buzz Cafe applicant seeking a coffee cart at Menke Park, who said "we really need a gathering spot." Paul Gehrman of Larkspur also spoke in favor, and McPherson praised staff's work. The ordinance was introduced and the fee resolution adopted. For: 4 (Beckman, Casissa, Ravasio, Thomas). Absent: 1 (Andrews, who had left for the night).

---

County Preps for El Niño; Residents Want Specifics

Why it matters: January flooding hurt residents, and officials expect king tides and El Niño storms to compound around the holidays.

Where things stand: Stephen Torrence, director of the Marin County Office of Emergency Management, presented the county's new emergency operations plan and a short public summary. He also described new Alert Marin flood groups, Spanish-language alerts and six planned town halls. He said 54% of Corte Madera homes have at least one person signed up for Alert Marin. The town's flood preparedness day is Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cove School.

The other side: Roy Wolford sought injury guidance, contact lists, vetted contractors, hydrant metering, and parking and shuttle options. "Can the county commit to providing these resources?" he asked. Elizabeth Dorazio asked who would staff blocked intersections. Torrence said the county is exploring barriers, signage and pumps, and that the plan allows staff to be redeployed.

---

Open Time: Alta Woods Gate, Bus Stop, Rec Programs

Neighbors Judy Creasy and Brenda Brown asked the town to act neutrally on new padlocks, signs and cameras at Alta Woods. They wanted to know whether the installations sit in a public right-of-way. Creasy urged the town to "address this immediately, including removal of the padlocks and signs." Karen Lawrence said the fence never had a lock.

Todd Williams, attorney for the Corte Madera Property Trust, countered, "It is private property." He said the gate and lock date to about 1988 and that the cameras went up after the lock was cut and survey markers were torn up. The dispute is tied to pending litigation between the town and 800 Corte Madera Avenue. The council did not respond during open time.

Matthew Hartzell, a regional planner, warned that a relocated southbound bus stop and crosswalk at Highway 101 and Tamalpais Drive share a signal phase with freeway-bound cars. Caltrans is at 95% design. "I would really request that you have Caltrans come into this council and make a presentation," he said.

Parents, participants and Lions Club members asked the town to revive lapsed recreation programs for adults with special needs.

---

Minor Items

• Allison Donnelly was appointed to the Commission on Aging 5-0, pledging focus on caregivers and "joy span."
• The council approved a staff response declining civil grand jury recommendations on qualifying its Marin Clean Energy board designee, 3-1 (Against: Ravasio; Absent: Andrews).
• The council directed staff to draft rules changes on closed-session recordings and on extending meetings without unanimous consent.
• Wolff gave his final report: the Intergenerational Center will likely slip to late October, and the Paradise Pump Station won an engineering award.
• As Sanitary District 2, the board approved its consent calendar 4-0 as Wolford warned of merger cost risks.

---

Looking ahead: Item 7B, whose subject was not described, was continued to the next meeting. A formal rules-of-procedure resolution will also return. Interim Town Manager Adam Politzer has begun meeting with department heads.