In This Issue...

. Council Approves 2012-2013 Budget

. Police Chief Joe Kreins Announces Retirement

. Reminder: 4th of July Parade on Wednesday

. July Jazz Night Coming Soon

. Employee Profile: Hans Grunt

. The Planning Commission (And Other Commissions) Need You

. Leadership Novato Program Accepting Applications for Next Class

This past month, the Council held a public hearing and ultimately adopted the 2012-2013 fiscal year budget. These actions represented the culmination of six months of work by Council and staff.

Staff initiated internal discussions about the budget in January and the public process began in April when Council held work sessions on the City's operating and capital improvement program budgets. At two meetings in April, the City Manager and executive management presented department recommendations to the Council. Council and the public provided feedback to the staff, which was incorporated into the budget proposal during the month of May.  

The key recommendations for the 2012-2013 year included the following:

• Expanding Neighborhood Safety and Quality of Life through the creation of the Novato Response Team;
• Restructuring the City's economic development program with the elimination by the State of the City's redevelopment agency; and
• Limiting the use of Measure F resources until a broader fiscal sustainability plan is developed.

These recommendations were ultimately incorporated into the budget.

On June 12th, the Council held a public hearing on the 2012-2013 proposed budget. The staff report and the list of specific budget additions are available at this link.  On June 26th, Council formally adopted the operating and capital improvement program budgets. The complete budget is available here for review. The City's budget page on its website, www.novato.org contains additional information.

In the coming months, Council will begin developing a long-term fiscal sustainability plan. This plan will be developed with input from the Council, the community, staff and City boards, committees and commissions.

Please watch for future Our Town articles related to the fiscal sustainability plan development process.    

Police Chief Joe Kreins

This month, Novato Police Chief Joe Kreins announced his impending retirement from City service. His last day with the City will be on July 13th. During his seven and a half year tenure, the City has made great strides in the public safety services provided to the community. The department has also proactively sought out grants and other funding to keep the Novato community safe. 

In his retirement message, Chiefs Kreins stated, "This (Novato) is a premier law enforcement agency with an extraordinary staff of employees both civilian and sworn alike, as well as our outstanding cadre of Police Volunteers. I am especially proud of the many accomplishments that we have achieved as a team, especially in the areas of fiscal management and our ongoing dedication to exceptional community/customer service."

Upon Chief Kreins' retirement, Captain Jim Berg will become the Interim Police Chief. Captain Berg has worked for the Novato Police Department for 27 years and he has served with distinction for the past 9 years at the rank of Captain, leading both our Support Services/Administrative and Operations Divisions.

On behalf of the City of Novato, we congratulate Chief Kreins on his retirement and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. He has been a tremendous asset to the community and we will miss his dedication, warmth, and expertise.   

The primary responsibilities of the Planning Commission are to:

• Maintain and update the General Plan and Zoning Code which contain policies and regulations for the physical development of the city;
• Review major development and land subdivision proposals for consistency with adopted policies and regulations, either making recommendations to the City Council or making decisions where authorized by City code;
• Review and consider environmental assessments required by the California Environmental Quality Act in making decisions or recommendations on projects; and
• Conduct public hearings to allow for input by the public on Commission matters.

The skills of an effective Planning Commissioner include:

• Exercising their authority in the public's best interest, putting the community's interests ahead of personal opinions or allegiances;
• Evaluating proposals against a set of sometimes conflicting policy objectives and regulations;
• Keeping the "big picture" in perspective and determine "what's at issue" on any matter requiring a decision;
• Listening to various points of view, and keep an objective and open mind in making decisions;
• Expressing oneself clearly and concisely in public,
• Working with a group to achieve consensus;
• Establishing good working relationships with other Commission members, the City Council, and staff; and
• Treat the public and applicants with courtesy and respect.

In order to serve on the Planning Commission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Reside within the incorporated boundaries of the City of Novato;
• Meet on the first and third Monday evenings of each month;
• Devote approximately 6 hours in advance of each meeting to review materials and conduct site visits.

The Planning Commission is a great way to get involved in a number of City planning and development issues.

Other Boards and Commissions Need Volunteers Too:

If the Planning Commission does not interest you, other boards and commissions need representation. The City has created a page on the City's website with additional information. The deadline to submit an application for any of the boards and commissions is August 1. After a review of the applications, the Council will conduct interviews with candidates to determine the best applicants.

If you are interested in serving, please contact the City Clerk, Sheri Hartz, at shartz@novato.org or 899-8900. 

The Novato Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for the 2012-2013 Leadership Novato program. The mission of the program is to identify and nurture community leaders and to increase their practical knowledge of Novato, Marin County and the North Bay region. The program also seeks to enrich and encourage leadership skills. Program participants study the community's infrastructure through interactive presentations, site visits and tours, discussions and team community service projects. The Program begins in September and lasts until May.

Registration will remain open until the program is filled, which will likely occur next month. If you are interested in applying for the Program, please contact Liz Watson, Director of Communications and Leadership at the Novato Chamber at 415 (897) 1164. Additional information is also available at this link.