Meeting Minutes
Marin County Service Area 20 Advisory Board
DRAFT Minutes for Meeting on September 8, 2025
Meeting held at Margaret Todd Senior Center, Meeting Room 3, Novato, CA
Advisory Board Members Present: Craig Knowlton, Ron Witzel, Jon Gasson, Marissa Walker, Jodi Fischer (entered during item 4)
1. Call to Order
Called to Order by Ron Witzel at 10:03 a.m.
2. Public Comment
No comment at this time.
3. Approval of Minutes for Regular Meeting of April 14, 2025
Public Comments: No members of the public came forward.
MOTION: approval
M/S: Walker/Gasson
AYES: Walker/Gasson/Witzel
COMMENTS: None
NAYS: N/A
ABSTAIN: Fischer
4. Update on CSA 20 Activities (Information Item)
Ranger Lauren DeQuattro summarized ranger activities, including “meet the ranger” events and a “slow and say hello” table event partnered with the Marin Bicycle Coalition and local equestrian groups. These meetings included 2 rangers who had previously worked with Marin Humane Society.
E-bikes: Currently in “education phase,” and so the majority of communication with e-bikers is verbal and not yet documented in the incident reporting system. Currently, e-bikes are not allowed in open space preserves, but are allowed on paved, multi-use pathways for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Class 3 is not allowed on the trails at all. Whether it is pedal-assist or throttle, class 3 is not allowed.
Deputies have been working closely with a camper to connect to resources. Deputy unhoused liaisons have exhausted those channels, in efforts going back almost 10 years.
Jason Hoorne reviewed road and trail improvements, including biological monitoring at Gloria Schwintd, and repair of a ditch along Indian Valley Road.
Commissioner comments:
1) Mr. Gasson still wants more enforcement and signage. Wants a sign for the e-bikes with a speed limit. Witzel agrees.
2) Mr. Gasson has seen more ranger presence and an outstanding level of positive interaction, especially because of county fire crews.
3) Mr. Gasson and Mr. Witzel are advocating for a ditch at 90 degrees to direct flow to the culvert. Much improved since last year.
Public Comments: No members of the public came forward.
5. Budget Update (Action Item)
Staff reviewed budget reports and discussed the potential value of maintaining a fund balance for land stabilization should there be winter flooding that results in landslides. Current fund balance as of 8/12/25 is $283, 944.71. There will be ongoing dialogue with staff, fire teams, and the public to determine whether there are any erosion issues that may lead to landslides.
The spring meeting will assess any storm damage to determine whether we anticipate any major construction next summer.
M/S to accept the recommended budget: John/Fischer
AYES: ALL
Public Comments: No members of the public came forward.
6. Election of Officers
On Sept 8, 2025, the following slate was elected to serve from Jan 1, 2026, to Dec 31, 2026, with the option to serve one additional year: Marissa Walker as chair, Craig Knowlton as vice chair, and John Gasson as secretary.
6. Advisory Board Member Comments
Mr. Gasson recommends surveying the Alexander trail for potential landslide risks that might threaten assets to determine whether there are early efforts that can be made towards stabilization. He wonders whether there is a way to accelerate trail work using CSA funding.
Motion to adjourn at 11:15 a.m