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Belvedere E-Newsletter MAY 27, 2016
In this Issue		From the Mayor Claire McAuliffe Dear Belvedere Neighbors, How does it happen so fast? Memorial Day is here yet again, and another Belvedere summer is about to begin. Summer is an especially happy time for us in Belvedere, with boats, bikes, Friday Nights on Main, random relatives visiting for extended periods…. Just fantastic. I was in Italy earlier this month, and it’s got nothing on us. Well, let’s give them gelato and pasta… Big thanks again to so many of you who have stepped up to be a Block Captain for our Disaster Preparedness program, ably lead by Tom Cromwell, Vice Mayor James Campbell, Roger Felton, and John Carapiet, along with Mary Neilan our City Manager, Tricia Seyler, Chief of Police and Laurie Nilsen, Emergency Services Coordinator. This team has put in countless hour to get us all ready for what we hope will never happen but well may happen. If you’re not a block captain, please please work with your Block Captain when he/she comes to call. It’s an investment for you and an investment for us. Let’s all Get Ready and be prepared. And speaking of the blocks of Belvedere, our Block Parties will be getting underway, likely in September. Expect a call or email from one of your neighbors (or BE the leader and host a party!) and let’s make Belvedere Block Parties 2016 the best yet. In July, your Council will change over. James Campbell, Bob McCaskill, Marty Winter and yours truly will warmly welcome Nancy Kemnitzer, former member and Chair of the Planning Commission. We will also say a very big “Thank You” to Sandy Donnell for her eight outstanding years as Councilmember and Mayor. Sandy’s leadership on the Council was critical for many important decisions during her tenure. In particular, Sandy put in countless hours (along with Bob McCaskill) to launch the successful school bus program. We will all miss her spirit, excellent judgment and wise leadership. Thank you Sandy. It has been a true pleasure to serve as your Mayor this year. Thank you for the honor and the privilege. Happy Summer 2016 to all! Claire McAuliffe Mayor From the City Manager Mary Neilan REVIEW OF FY2016/17 PRELIMINARY BUDGET The City Council reviewed the preliminary FY 2016/17 Operating and Capital Budget at their regular meeting on May 9, 2016. Included in the proposed budget was some very positive news regarding the City’s General Fund revenue projections and General Fund Reserve. Due to a robust real estate market and steady stream of renovation projects, the assessed property values in Belvedere continue to rise, leading to a projected 6% increase in property tax revenue for the upcoming fiscal year. Most other revenues are expected to remain flat, resulting in a 2.5% increase in total revenue from the current fiscal year to help fund city operations and capital projects. The FY16/17 budget funds staffing and service levels consistent with existing, including the usual payment from the General Fund to the Tiburon Fire Protection District. This payment, coupled with the revenue generated by the Fire Tax authorized by Belvedere residents, pays to provide fire protection in Belvedere. The Fire Tax, first approved in June 1980, is a vital part of the City’s revenue stream, funding just over 50% of the total cost our contract with TFPD. Thank you Belvedere voters for consistently supporting this important revenue measure! Other expenditures planned for the year include replacement of necessary equipment and vehicles, a significant payment to CalPERS to reduce the City’s Unfunded Pension Liability, and several important capital projects including a geotechnical and structural evaluation of the San Rafael Avenue and Beach Road Seawalls. Total revenues in FY16/17 are anticipated at $6,151,909 while expenses and fund transfers are expected to be $5,872,866, leading to a projected General Fund surplus of $279,043. At year end, the City expects to meet its goal of having 50% of annual operating expense set aside in a General Fund Reserve. There are several additional projects and challenges that will need to be addressed near term and in future years. Matching funds for a grant from the Dept. of Water Resources for design and predevelopment work at the San Rafael Avenue and Beach Road Seawalls, as well as further funding to construct those improvements may be necessary. Other capital improvement projects planned over the next few years include replacement of older playground equipment at Community Park, replacement of the roof at City Hall, a project to improve the drainage system on Lagoon Road and installation of new trash capture devices on City storm drains as required by recent stormwater regulation. Costs associated with the City’s participation in the Richardson Bay Regional Agency (RBRA) are expected to rise overtime, as the RBRA works to meet its objective of managing activities and use of that important natural resource. If revenue remains strong and expenses are controlled, the City will be well positioned to address these needs as they arise.
Review of Preliminary FY2016/17 Budget Friday Nights on Main 2016 Committee Volunteer Positions Protecting Owls in Belvedere MMWD's Watering Schedule ZeroWaste Marin's Composting Classes Music at Old St. Hilary's Tiburon Classic Car Show
Upcoming Meetings
Special City Council June 6, 4:00 PM City Council June 13, 6:30 PM Planning Commission June 21, 6:30 PM *** Stay up to date on meeting times and cancellations and view agenda packets on the City's Website.
Quick Links
City's Website Website Calendar Get Ready 94920 Bel-Tib Library The Ranch (Recreation) Reed Union School District Tiburon Peninsula Chamber of Commerce County of Marin, 3rd District Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society Belvedere Community Foundation Marin Transit Rte 219 Shuttle		FRIDAY NIGHTS ON MAIN 2016 Main Street \| Downtown Tiburon Please join us for the first Friday Night on Main of the summer season May 27, 2016 – Welcome Aboard! 5:30 – 8:30 PM Kicking off the Friday Nights on Main season will be a big block party on Main Street! We invite the community at large and extend a special invitation to new residents to join us. Come eat, meet, greet, dance, and bring the whole family! Music in the street is provided by the popular Mustache Harbor band. Special thanks to the Belvedere Community Foundation and Tiburon Peninsula Foundation for co-sponsoring this event. Upcoming Dates for this Season's Friday Nights on Main: June 24 - A Whale of a Time July 29 - La Dolce Vita August 26 - Neon Velvet on Main September 30 - Firefighter's Diamond Jubilee More information available from Tiburon Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. Committee Volunteer Opportunities! The Belvedere City Council will soon be considering appointments to the following committees: Planning Commission (three seats) Parks and Open Space Committee (three seats) Bel-Tib Joint Rec Committee (two seats) Finance Committee (three seats) Marin County Commission on Aging (one seat) If you are interested in serving, please submit a letter of interest and a brief statement of qualifications to the Mayor at City of Belvedere, 450 San Rafael Ave., Belvedere, CA 94920-2336, or c/o clerk@cityofbelvedere.org. For more information, please call (415) 435-3838.
		Protect Belvedere’s Family of Great Horned Owls – No Rodent Poisons By Jean Bordon There have been recent sightings on Belvedere Island of a family of great horned owls: two adults and three owlets. Not only are they wonderful to see, but they are also nature’s way of protecting us from rodents. One owlet eats from 4 to 6 rodents per night. However, these owls may be in danger from what might be in your own backyard. One of the greatest threats to owls is rodenticides. Rodent poisons contain anti-coagulants, which can cause the rodent to bleed to death. While one dose could be sufficient, the rodent may live for several days and consume even more of the poison. A rodent who has eaten the poison can be an easy prey. An owl eating the rodent ingests the poison as well. If our family of owls is to thrive, we must all cease to use poisons. Poisoning of wild life by ingestion of rodents who have eaten poisons is not uncommon. The most recent statistics of Wild Care show that 86% of patients test positive for rodenticides. Only last month, a male fox in Belvedere died from suspected rodent poison. We do not want the same thing to happen to this amazing family of great horned owls. You can find more information about owls, the danger of rodent poisons, and other ways to control rodents at the National Wildlife Federation’s “Super Potent Rat Poison Harms Wildlife, Pets and Kids” and the Marin Independent Journal’s “UC Marin Master Gardener: Encourage owls to keep your rodent problems in check,” both of which were consulted in writing this article.
		Take the Guesswork out of Watering with MMWD’s Weekly Schedule It's that time of year: As the rainy season draws to a close, many Marin residents are turning on their irrigation systems. But particularly for gardeners without smart irrigation controllers, knowing how much to water can be a challenge. The Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) offers a free Weekly Watering Schedule that can help customers keep their landscapes healthy this summer without overwatering using data from a local weather station to calculate the rate of evapotranspiration—that is, how much water is being lost from plants and soil into the air. MMWD converts this data into easy-to-follow guidelines that let customers know how many minutes they need to water—or how to adjust their automated irrigation timers—to replenish lost soil moisture. Schedules are available for three different climate zones—cool, medium, and hot—in MMWD's service area. There are three ways to get the schedule: Find the schedule online at marinwater.org/watering. Sign up on the website to receive the schedule via email, along with helpful water-smart garden tips. Follow MMWD on Twitter (@thinkbluemarin) to receive the schedule via tweet using #WeeklyWateringSchedule. Outdoor Water-Use Regulations Still in Effect In addition to offering irrigation guidance, MMWD is reminding customers that outdoor water-use regulations remain in effect. Under district code, the following are prohibited: Irrigating ornamental landscape areas or turf grass areas with potable water more than three days per week Irrigating during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall Irrigating between 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., except for system testing and repair Using a hose without a shutoff nozzle Allowing irrigation water to run off or overspray the irrigated area Hosing down sidewalks, driveways, and other hard-surfaced areas Non-recirculating decorative fountains Get Free Water-Wise Garden Advice For MMWD customers in need of more advice on managing their outdoor water use, the district offers two free programs: Conservation Assistance Program (CAP): Receive a free, customized water-use consultation for your home or business with one of MMWD’s water conservation specialists. Visit includes a check for leaks, evaluation of indoor and outdoor water use, and recommendations to help you save water and money. Call 415-945-1523 to schedule. Marin-Friendly Garden Walk: Receive a free residential garden evaluation from a UC Marin Master Gardener. Learn about sustainable gardening practices and get water-wise tips for a beautiful, healthy landscape. Call 415-473-4204 to schedule.


		ZeroWasteMarin Hands-On Composting Classes June 4; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Green Gage Farm, 489 Gage Lane, Novato Be part of the zero waste initiative! Learn how to sheet mulch, build a hot pile, and transform food scraps with worms. Class includes an opportunity to purchase a compost bin at a discounted price. Register at zerowastemarin.org/compost or call (415) 473-6170
		TonaLaura Jazz Sunday, June 12, 4:00 PM Old St. Hilary’s Landmark, 201 Esperanza Tickets are $15 & $20. Advance purchase available at the Landmarks Office, Tiburon Town Hall, and Brown Paper Tickets. Tickets available at the door if not sold out in advance, starting at 3:30 p.m. There is no parking at Old St. Hilary’s. Please park at the Boardwalk Shopping Center, 1550 Tiburon Blvd. and take a shuttle to the concert. Shuttle service begins at 3:30 p.m. For more information, please call 1-415-435-1853 or visit landmarkssociety.com.
		Tiburon Classic Car Show Saturday, June 18, 11:00 Am – 4:00 PM Shoreline Park, Tiburon The Tiburon Classic Car Show (TCCS) is a wonderful community event, held annually in Tiburon near the ferry boat landing, against the beautiful backdrop of the Tiburon Waterfront Park. The show celebrates the beauty of classic automobiles (produced prior to 1971), and men, women and children alike, find great enjoyment in viewing the cars on display. Cars are not formally judged, although there may be informal "People's Choice" awards. The show is open to the public, and admission is free. For more information, please visit tiburonclassiccarshow.com/

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