In Your Town for Nov. 21, 2022
NOVATO
Judge sentences
fire-setter at camp
A Novato woman who set fire to the city’s camp for homeless people was placed on probation for two years on Wednesday.
Brianna Marie Giudice, 36, also received a 140-day jail sentence from Judge Geoffrey Howard. But under state law, the sentence for the nonviolent offense can be served in half the time with credit for good behavior in custody. Giudice has already served 70 days and has been released from jail.
Novato police arrested Giudice after linking her to the July 30 fire that damaged the camp at Lee Gerner Park. Giudice had been a resident there. The fire caused no injuries, but the city closed the camp afterward and relocated the occupants.
The prosecution initially charged Giudice with a felony arson count. She accepted a plea offer last month and admitted to a misdemeanor charge of recklessly burning property. She also pleaded guilty to a felony charge of carrying a concealed stolen firearm and violating her probation in a separate case.
Her attorney, Elissa Eckman, declined to comment after the sentencing.
MILL VALLEY
Pay hike awarded
to city manager
The City Council has approved a salary increase for Todd Cusimano, the city manager.
The bump includes a one-time “competitive increase” of 8% effective Jan. 1, plus a 3% raise to take effect a year later, according to a staff report by Seth Allingham, the city’s deputy employment director.
The 8% increase will bring Cusimano’s base annual salary to $290,200. The city estimates this will make Cusimano the third highest-paid city manager in Marin, behind those in San Rafael and Novato.
The actions follow a recent performance evaluation for Cusimano, who became city manager in 2022. Allingham wrote that Cusimano’s original employment agreement, “in hindsight, was below market value in total compensation.”
The city also reduced Cusimano’s cost-of-living adjustment from 3.5% to 3% for 2025 to align with other employees.
The council approved the changes at its meeting on Monday.
BELVEDERE
Commission backs
plan for new home
The Planning Commission has approved a proposal to build a new residence at 322 San Rafael Ave.
The property owners want to demolish the 5,450-square-foot residence on the lot and replace it with a 4,800-square-foot home, according to the city planning office. The project requires a floor area exception and a revocable license for improvements in the public right of way.
The commission held a hearing on the project Tuesday and voted 6-0 in favor, said Rebecca Markwick, the city planning and building director. Commissioner Justin Botros was absent.
FAIRFAX
Board set to review
3 building proposals
The Planning Commission is scheduled to hold hearings on three residential construction proposals.
One application requests permits for a new 1,997-square-foot home with a garage and an accessory dwelling unit at 100 Meernaa Ave. The second project would construct a new 2,064-square-foot home with a garage/ADU at 59 Wood Lane. The other project would expand the home at 4 San Gabriel Court from one story and 1,523 square feet to two stories and 2,676 square feet.
The commission meeting is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Fairfax Women’s Club at 46 Park Road.