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Our Town
An E-Newsletter Connecting City and Community
 Volume 3, Issue #6                                                        June 29, 2012

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

budgetCouncil Approves 2012-2013 Budget

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.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

kreinsPolice Chief Joe Kreins Announces Retirement
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. 

Under his leadership, crime rates in Novato have fallen to levels not seen in decades.

 

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.   

 

 

 

 

JulyfourReminder: 4th of July Parade on Wednesday
A scene from the 4th of July parade in 2007.

The 20th annual Novato 4th of July parade is just around the corner.  The parade will take place next Wednesday on Grant Avenue.

 

While the parade itself starts at 10am, you don't want to miss the Firecracker Four Race, which is a four mile run through the heart of downtown and and the Mayor's Mile Walk/Jog, which is a good option if you enjoy more leisurely exercise. Both races will start at 8am and the registration area is at 7th and Grant.

 

After you get your workout done via the Firecracker Four or the Mayor's Mile, head over to the Redwood Credit Union parking lot for the Buckaraoo Breakfast. The breakfast will provide you with the fuel to enjoy the day's festivities!

 

The Parade begins at 10am. The theme for this year's event is "Celebrating Novato's Families." The 2012 edition has over one hundred entries and is sure to be a highlight of the summer.

 

Additional information about the parade is available here. We hope to see you there!

jazzJuly Jazz Night Coming Soon

The City encourages the community to join us for an unforgettable night at the Margaret Todd Senior Center as the City hosts the inaugural July Jazz Night on Saturday, July 21st from 6 - 9p.m.

This exciting evening includes appetizers, drinks, a catered dinner, dessert, dancing and live jazz performed by the JES Jazz Trio! This local trio includes an upright bass, guitar and phenomenal vocals. The group has been performing together since 2006 and has entertained crowds all over the Bay Area with their intimate sound and impressive soloists. A no-host bar is being provided by the Novato Senior Citizens Club.

Tickets to this fantastic event are on sale now through July 17th, and can be purchased for $14 per person at the Margaret Todd Senior Center in Novato. For more information on this event, please call 415-899-8290. Be sure to mark your calendars as you do not want to miss this fun evening out!

hansEmployee Profile: Hans Grunt

The Our Town newsletter features employee profiles to help the community learn about City employees and the services they provide to the public. The profile includes highlights of the employee's interests and community contributions outside of their professional role with Novato. 

 

The June profile is of Senior Planner Hans Grunt. 

Hans PhotoWhat is your role with the City?

I am a Senior Planner in the City's Community Development Department. My primary responsibility is the General Plan update. The key components of that process include: planning for the North Redwood Corridor area and the downtown area overall and identifying areas for redevelopment, housing and commercial services. I have also worked on the housing element. I recently helped staff the City Manager's Housing Element Working Group. I also manage current development projects such as the reuse of the Novato Hospital site on Hill Road and the affordable housing assets and functions. Finally, I assist in other general developments projects and fill in at the Department's One-Stop Shop as needed.

How long have you worked for the City?  

I have been with the City for exactly twelve years. I started in June 2000.    

What do you like best about being a Senior Planner with the City of Novato?   

I simply enjoy being a planner. Specifically, I like the opportunity to work on the planning framework for the City. I enjoy working with professional colleagues in the planning, building and engineering departments, along with the public, on residential, park and transportation planning projects. The Novato citizenry is very engaged, which makes my position much more interesting.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?    

I am most proud of my involvement with the Hamilton Army Airfield Reuse Plan preparation and subsequent development.  My work included coordination and reports to the Commissions and City Council for required entitlements for the over 1,170 single family homes, townhomes and apartments, of which over 770 units are reserved for lower income families and seniors in our community.  The Plan preparation and development entitlements also have provided extensive trails and parkways, a large community child care facility and fire station (Novato Fire Dist. Station 65) at 5 Boling Dr.  Like other areas of the City, I now have the pleasure of fairly regular contact with the residents of Hamilton seeking Planning information related to their personal endeavors (home remodels etc) and other questions related to City services.

 

What are some of your personal interests outside of your role with the City?

I am very active with my family (wife Dena and son Bohdan). My son is starting to play lacrosse and my wife and I are involved with his matches. Spending time with my family is very important to me. I also love the outdoors. I enjoy cycling, gardening, and hiking. I really enjoy being on the water in my boat. I frequently fish for crab at Tamalis Bay. While I am not always as successful as I would like to be as a fisherman, I find it very relaxing. 

 

What is an interesting fact about you that people might not know?

 

I am involved in planning and design issues outside of my position with Novato. I previously served on the Design Review Commission for the City of Petaluma. This position allowed me to pursue my interest in building design guidelines.

 

vacanciesThe Planning Commission (And Other Commissions) Need You

The City has a number of Boards, Committees and Commissions that serve as advisory bodies to the Council and staff. The members are volunteers and present opportunities for residents to get involved in city government. This month's Our Town highlights the expiring terms on the Planning Commission

Commission Spotlight: Planning Commission

 

The Novato Planning Commission is an advisory and decision-making body appointed by the City Council. Planning Commissioners serve two-year terms.

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 [email protected] or 899-8900. 

leadershipLeadership Novato Program Accepting Applications for Next Class

Leadership PhotoThe 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.

CITY OF NOVATO
75 Rowland Way, #200 Novato, CA 94945 415/899-8900
FAX 415/899-8213

[email protected]

 www.novato.org
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Our Town
E-Newsletter Staff

Contact Us:

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Cathy Capriola, Editor-in-Chief

Dane Wadl�, Editor/Production

Maureen McNiff, Production

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Did you know...
Coffee CupThe first public 4th of July event at the White House occurred in 1804.
Plan for Summer and Fall Fun!

Summer/Fall Activities Guide is filled with many classes and programs for all ages! 

The guide is posted on the City's website. You can also pick up a guide and register at one of our customer service centers:

Downtown Recreation Center
950 Seventh Street
Novato, CA 94945
415-899-8279
415-897-6395 Fax
M/W/F 9-4:30PM
Tues & Thurs 9-6PM

Margaret Todd Senior Center
1560 Hill Road
Novato CA 94945
415-899-8290
415-897-0239 Fax
Mon-Fri 9-5PM

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