Fairview Municipal Advisory Council Meeting - January 12, 2026

The Fairview Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) met on January 12, 2026, at 6:45 PM. The meeting included a law enforcement update from the CHP and ACSO, a progress report on sidewalk projects, a public hearing and vote on an AT&T wireless facility, and updates on the fireworks ordinance. Key outcomes included the denial of a conditional use permit for an 80-foot monopine and recognition of ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety and communications infrastructure.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gary Wolfe announced his candidacy for Director of the East Bay Municipal Utility District, highlighting his 40 years of experience in water-related issues and his website Wolf4Water.org.
• Vanya Taylor requested that guidelines be changed to allow community review and feedback before approvals on major projects, noting that large proposals often surface around holidays. She also expressed frustration that the community was not informed of the right to appeal Board of Supervisors decisions.
• Brenda (phone) urged the MAC to accelerate the fireworks ordinance, noting that neighboring jurisdictions already have enforceable rules and that illegal fireworks remain a problem in Fairview.
• Dale Silva opposed new sidewalks, arguing they erode the rural character, but supported the speed bumps on D Street.
• Kathy Langley (phone) recounted her seven-year effort to get sidewalks on D Street, criticized the county for lack of transparency compared to previous staff, and noted delays in relocating utility poles.
• Jane Sylvester opposed the AT&T monopine due to visual impact, safety concerns with access on Winfeld Road, and the need for more screening trees.
• Vanya Taylor (again) objected to the 80-foot height of the proposed monopine, stating it would obstruct views and is out of character for the single-family neighborhood.
• Bob Clark (phone) outlined the four findings required for a conditional use permit, arguing the project fails on public need, compatibility, public welfare, and zoning compliance.

Discussion Items

Annual Update from Alameda County Sheriff's Office

• Deputy Lana Carson and Deputy Nicholas Ligorio presented an overview of the CORE (Community Oriented Response and Engagement) division, highlighting community activities (e.g., holiday toy drive, deputies on ice), community enforcement (e.g., firearms and marijuana plant seizures from traffic stops), and community cleanups led by Deputy Heidi Burbank. They also described partnerships with behavioral health, the CARES Navigation Center, and diversion programs.
• Crime Statistics (Fairview, 2024 vs. 2025):
  • Crimes against persons: minor increase (50 to 53, +6%). Forcible sex offenses unchanged (3 each); aggravated assault down 17% (12 to 10); criminal threats doubled (3 to 6); kidnapping/abduction up 200% (1 to 3), but all were false imprisonment incidents.<br> - Property crimes: down 8% overall. Robberies down 88% (8 to 1); burglaries down 44% (9 to 5); larceny/theft up 34% (53 to 71, partly due to holiday package theft); motor vehicle theft down 40% (43 to 26).<br> - Societal crimes: down 7%. Disorderly conduct down 78%; drug/narcotic violations up; trespassing down 33%; weapon law violations down 50%.
• Council members asked about causes for reductions; deputies cited technology and air support but lacked data to prove causality. Staffing is improving with recent academy classes of 30–50 recruits.

Public Works Update: D Street and Second Street Sidewalk Projects

• Amber Lowe reported that the D Street sidewalk improvement project (1.1 miles) is nearly complete; final striping is scheduled for late January/early February 2026, weather permitting. Remaining work includes utility pole relocation and punch-list items.<br> The Second Street sidewalk project (0.8 mile, 380 working days) is moving into construction; contract award is set for January 13, 2026. A virtual public meeting was held in February 2025; individual property owners will be contacted.<br>- Councilmember Philbin strongly criticized the lack of communication on Second Street, stating the one virtual meeting provided insufficient detail, and requested a public hearing with maps showing individual property impacts. Member Higgins noted missing signs on D Street and requested evaluation of the Madero's intersection. Vice Chair Rhodes highlighted dangerous intersections at D Street and Fairview Avenue, and asked about parking removal (public works clarified parking is largely maintained, with some spaces removed for daylighting).<br>- Council members and public praised the D Street sidewalks for improving pedestrian safety and increasing usage.

Conditional Use Permit for AT&T Wireless Monopine (Item 3 – Action Item)

• Pat (Planner) presented a proposal for an 80-foot monopine (camouflaged as a tree) on a commercial parcel at 2637 East Avenue, within 150 feet of an existing T-Mobile facility on a PGE tower—short of the required 1,000-foot separation. Staff recommended approval to the Board of Zoning Adjustment.<br>- AT&T agent Nick Tagis argued the site was the best available after other options failed (no room on the PGE tower, unwilling private property owners). He emphasized the need to serve one-third of the community (AT&T customers), especially for emergency communications, and addressed health concerns by distinguishing non-ionizing radiation from ionizing radiation, noting international standards.<br>- Council members and public raised concerns: visual impact, noise from the backup generator, potential health effects, safety of access on Winfeld Road, accountability for radiofrequency emissions monitoring, and the waiver of the 1,000-foot separation. Bob Clark argued the permit fails all four required findings.<br>- Vote on motion to deny the conditional use permit: Passed 3–1 (Higgins, Philbin, Rhodes in favor; Englin opposed).

Key Outcomes

• The conditional use permit for the AT&T monopine was denied (3–1), citing concerns about compatibility, safety, and community opposition. The denial will be forwarded to the Board of Zoning Adjustment.<br>- Fireworks ordinance update: The subcommittee reports that the Sheriff's Department is still refining enforcement language (e.g., primary vs. secondary evidence, fines). Goal remains to have an ordinance finalized by July 4, 2026. A presentation to the MAC is expected within the next month.<br>- Schedule change: The regular MAC meeting in June 2026 will move from Tuesday, June 2, to Thursday, June 4, due to the primary election using the room.
• Council member Philbin announced the annual Veterans Celebration on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Lone Tree Cemetery.