Town Council News, Library Holiday Hours, Toy Donations and Holiday Safety Tips

Town Council News

Congratulations! 

Congratulations to our new .  Both were elected by their Council colleagues in a unanimous vote.

Thank Yous

At Tuesday’s meeting, outgoing Councilmember Barbara Thornton was lauded by her colleagues for her nine years of service on the council. Barbara’s most notable accomplishments include her service on the Marin Energy Authority, Refuse and Recycling Subcommittee, Red Hill Community Park JPA, the Legislative Committee of the Marin Mayors and Councilmembers group, liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, as well as her work on green initiatives and telecommunications.  Barbara’s presence on the council will be sorely missed. Good luck, Barbara, in all your future endeavors and we know you won’t be a stranger!

Our 2011 Mayor, Ford Greene, also received the council’s thanks for his distinguished year of service as Mayor. It was noted that Ford is a strong leader who led the council meetings in an efficient yet sensitive manner, with good humor and a style that allowed everybody to be heard. Many thanks, Ford, for your leadership!

Meeting Notes 

At the meeting of Tuesday, Dec. 13, the San Anselmo Town Council took the following actions:

• Approved the resolution declaring the canvass of returns and results of the Uniform District Election held on Nov. 8, 2011. 
• Delivered the oath of office to newly elected officials Town Clerk Barbara Chambers, Town Treasurer Bess Niemcewicz, and Town Councilmembers Lori Lopin and Ford Greene.
• Re-appointed Judy Coy and John Maher to the Historical Commission and Kevin Donahue to the Quality of Life Commission.  Congratulations Judy, John and Kevin.
• Approved the town-wide street sweeping contract with Universal Building Services at an average monthly cost of $6,419.

Holiday Decoration Safety Tips

Decorating for the winter holidays is fun but can lead to tragedy if you don't practice fire safety. Following a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree from creating a tragedy.

• Don't place your live Christmas tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent.
• Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
• Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
• Use only non-flammable decorations.

You can find more holiday safety tips at the U. S. Fire Administration at:  http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/focus/holiday.shtm.

Ross Valley Toy Donation Drive 

Each year many children who reside in the Ross Valley will have a less-than-merry holiday season because their families have fallen upon hard times.  If you would like to help a child, please bring an unwrapped gift to the Ross Valley Fire Department: 

• Station 19, 777 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo
• Station 20, 150 Butterfield Road, San Anselmo
• Station 21, 10 Park Road, Fairfax 

The Toy Drive is sponsored by the Fairfax Police Officers Association, the Ross Valley Firefighters Club, the San Anselmo Police Officers Association and the Ross Police Officers Association.

Library Holiday Hours 

For the first time since 2005, the will be open during the week between the Christmas and the New Year holiday. These increased hours are due to the funds provided by the Library Parcel Tax, which was passed by voters in June 2010. Thank you, San Anselmo voters.

The library open hours during the holidays are: 

• Tuesday, Dec. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 28 from noon to 8 p.m. 
• Thursday-Friday, Dec. 29-30 from 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Closed on Saturday, Dec. 24; Monday, Dec. 26 and Monday, Jan. 2. The library is always closed on Sunday.

 If you have any questions, please call the Library at 258-4656.

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