During the Fairfax Town Council meeting on January 9, 2025, significant concerns regarding fire safety and representation on local committees were raised by community members. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for effective leadership in addressing fire hazards in the area.

One of the key points brought up was the existence of the MCCMC City County Services Subcommittee, which has reportedly never convened. This prompted a suggestion to remove it from the council's agenda, reflecting a desire for more active and relevant committee participation.

Public comment was dominated by Todd Greenberg, who expressed frustration over the previous council's lack of action on fire safety issues. He pointed out that despite presenting critical concerns to the Ross Valley Fire Department board, which included current and former council members, no significant measures had been taken to allow the use of gas-powered garden equipment to mitigate fire risks. Greenberg emphasized the potential dangers, referencing recent devastating fires in Southern California and urging the council to take fire safety more seriously.

Additionally, Greenberg criticized Councilwoman Hellman’s involvement with the Ross Valley Fire Department board, suggesting that her performance did not adequately represent the interests of Fairfax residents. He also mentioned an incident where Councilwoman Koehler dismissed his concerns about fire safety, further questioning their commitment to the community's safety.

Another speaker, Michael, echoed these sentiments, calling for transparency in how council members are assigned to various committees. He raised concerns about Hellman’s appropriateness for her role on the fire board, particularly in light of a recent donation she received from the board for her anti-recall campaign.

The meeting underscored a growing demand among residents for accountability and proactive measures regarding fire safety in Fairfax. As the council moves forward, the community is eager to see how these discussions will translate into actionable steps to protect their homes and ensure effective representation.