📸 Snapshot – City Council meeting agenda, king tides, seed library, new Marin Women’s Hall of Fame inductee, and more!

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San Rafael City Council Meeting Highlights

The San Rafael City Council will be meeting on Tuesday, January 20 at San Rafael City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue.

Meeting Details:

Special Meeting: Begins at 4:00 p.m., in the Third Floor Conference Room, for a Housing Study Session

Closed Session: Begins at 5:30 p.m., in the Third Floor Conference Room, for conference with legal counsel

Regular Meeting: Begins at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers

City Manager and Councilmember Reports:

• Reports from the City Manager and Councilmembers, including updates on meetings and conferences attended.

Consent Calendar Highlights:

• Final adoption of an ordinance amending the Municipal Code to clarify the authority to the Supervisor of Public Works and Designees to approve plans, specifications, designs, and CEQA determinations

• Proclamation in recognition of Black History Month

• Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the agreement with Keyser Marston Associates, Inc., for work related to the Park Impact Fee Nexus Study, and authorize a new agreement for Development Impact Fee Nexus Studies

• Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a program supplement agreement with Caltrans to provide funding for improvements on Lincoln Avenue from Second Street to Paloma Avenue

Other Agenda Items:

• Presentation providing an overview of the SAFE Team Pilot Program, and consideration of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the agreement with Petaluma People Services Center to continue operating the SAFE Team through June 30, 2027

• Presentation on the City's budget outlook, framework for fiscal sustainability, and staff recommendations related to potential 2026 ballot measures

• Resolution approving license agreements and installation of public art pieces throughout the Downtown San Rafael Arts District

View the full agenda and watch the meeting online via Zoom or YouTube. Participate in person or submit public comments ahead of the meeting by emailing [email protected].

Prepare for High Tides this Weekend

King Tides are expected to peak in the Bay Area from Thursday, January 29 to Monday, February 2, with the highest tides occurring between 7:30 a.m. and noon each day. Flooding is possible in low-lying and flood-prone areas, especially locations that have flooded during past King Tide Events.

How to prepare:

• Clear drainage areas

• Remove leaves and debris from gutters, drains, and driveways

• If you live in a flood-prone area, consider using sandbags to protect your home from tidal flooding.

Avoid the water:

• Stay away from flooded areas and never walk or drive through water of unknown depth. Follow road signs and do not drive around barricades.

Free Sandbag Locations (first-come, first-serve)

• Terra Linda Community Center: 670 Del Ganado Road

• Menzies Parking Lot: 1428 Mission Avenue

• Peacock Gap Park: 699 Biscayne Drive

• Boro Community Center East Parking Lot: 50 Canal Street

Learn more about storm preparation resources on the City website. To receive emergency alerts, be sure to register your home address, and the addresses of those you care for at alert.marin.org.

‍Apply for All City Permits Online Beginning February 23

The City of San Rafael will be transitioning to a new, more user-friendly online permitting system on February 23, 2026. The platform, called OpenGov replaces eTRAKiT for new permit applications and makes it easier to apply for permits, upload plans, pay fees, schedule inspections, and track application status online.

OpenGov will be used for Building, Planning, Code Enforcement, Fire Prevention, and Public Works permits - creating one centralized portal for most City permitting services.

What to know:

• Applications submitted in eTRAKiT before February 23 will continue there until complete

• Starting February 23, all inspections - including for existing permits - will be scheduled in OpenGov

• All new Building, Planning, Code Enforcement, and Fire Prevention applications must be submitted through OpenGov starting February 23

Get started by visiting cityofsanrafaelca.portal.opengov.com. Existing OpenGov users can use their current login; new users will need to create an account.

Tutorials and support resources are available on the City website. For help, contact Community & Economic Development at (415) 485-3367 or [email protected].

San Rafael's New Seed Library

San Rafael Downtown Library is excited to announce the grand opening of its new Community Seed Library on National Seed Swap Day, January 31. Stop by to pick up free seeds and learn about growing edible plants and pollinator-friendly gardens.

What is a Seed Library?

• A seed library is a free resource that allows gardeners to "borrow" donated seeds - including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and native plants.

• Grow them at home, then save seeds at the end of the season and return them to help keep the collection growing.

Visit the Seed Library webpage for details and gardening resources provided by UC Marin Master Gardeners.

Lynn Murphy Honored for Community Impact

The City of San Rafael congratulates Lynn Murphy on her induction into the YWCA Marin Women's Hall of Fame. Lynn serves as San Rafael's Mental Health Liaison with the San Rafael Police Department and has spent more than a decade connecting people experiencing homelessness with care, services, and support.

In her role, Lynn connects with people living on the street, listens to their stories, and helps link them to services and support. While practical resources matter, Lynn says the most powerful thing she offers is presence - listening, validating, and walking alongside people through difficult moments.

Lynn is also the co-founder of Seeds of Hope, a quarterly service fair and community gathering that serves hundreds of people with meals, wellness services, and connection to care.

Congratulations, Lynn, on this well-deserved honor and your service to the San Rafael community.

✨Nominations Open for 2026 Public Service Award

The City of San Rafael is calling for nominations for the 2026 Public Service Award to honor outstanding community members.

Why it matters: Each year, the City recognizes a member of the community for their contributions in making San Rafael an amazing place to live and work.

• The recipient receives a $2,500 cash award from the Marin Community Foundation.

• They are also honored at a City Council meeting and the State of the City dinner.

How to nominate: If you have someone in mind who you believe should be recognized, please consider nominating them! Submissions are due by February 6, 2026.

Join the San Rafael Team!

The City of San Rafael is looking for talented people to join our team! Please click the link below for more information about our open positions.

• Assistant Director of C&ED | Chief Building Official | Deputy Building Offical

• Child Care Instructor I/II - Mary Silveira

• Police Cadet

• Police Recruit

• Police Officer (Lateral or Academy Graduate Only)

• Police Communications Dispatcher

Have questions about working for the City? Please reach out to [email protected].