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 October Highlights | |
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Renewed initiatives, improved processes, and updated plans highlighted the month of October for the City of Novato:
- Your new Chief of Police, James Berg, was sworn-in
- After three years of extensive public participation, a draft of the Housing Element was submitted to the State for review
- The City welcomed a new economic development manager
- Your City Council approved improvements to the City's Zoning Code & permit process as well as updates to the City's Strategic Plan--a blueprint to shape and guide priorities
To get the latest information on City news and events, you can sign-up for our e-Notification service on a variety of topics, including news releases, community events, and planning updates. |
| Community Garden in City Park Moves Forward | |
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From left: David Selzer, City Manager Michael Frank, Veronica Valero, Diet Stroeh, and Sr. Management Analyst Tom Adams
On October 22, the City and representatives of the Novato Live Well Network/Community Garden signed a 25-year lease for a 1.8-acre community garden located within O'Hair Park, west of Dogbone Meadow dog park. Next steps for the Novato Community Garden include fundraising for improvements. For more information and to find out how to help, check out the Novato Community Garden website. |
| City Offices Project Update | | |
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Waterproofing the footings
The City Offices project, located in Downtown Novato at 922 Machin Avenue, continues to be ahead of schedule and within budget. The piles are in place and holes have been have been excavated and waterproofed to make way for the concrete--tentatively scheduled for the first full week in November.
To see the progress, check out our webcam, and get more information on our City Offices project webpage. |
| "Shop with a Cop" and other NPD News | |
 The Novato Police Department (NPD) was recently awarded two grants from the retailer, Target Corporation. A $2,250 grant will fund the NPD's efforts to participate and provide crime prevention resources at public safety events. The second grant, for $750, will be used for the "Shop with a Cop" program, which allows police officers to share the holiday spirit with Novato families who are in-need. Stay tuned for more details. |
| Faces of the City: Kelly Gerhardt | |
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Learn more about the people in the City who serve you: Kelly Gerhardt is our featured employee of the month.
Human Resources Analyst Kelly Gerhardt
What is your role with the City?
I work in the Human Resources Division of the City's Administrative Services Department, as a Human Resources Analyst. In my role, I provide services to both internal and external customers in many areas including recruiting, benefits administration, employee and labor relations, compensation, training and development, liability insurance, and workers' compensation.
How long have you worked for the City?
For nearly six years. I started in January 2007, after working for the City of San Rafael as a Human Resources Analyst, and before that, I worked in the private sector as Human Resources Representative for Lucas Digital--the parent company of Skywalker Sound and Industrial Light & Magic--and part of Lucas Films.
What do you like best about your position with the City?
I enjoy the people I work with--they are customer-service oriented and really love what they do. I also like the variety of work that I do--from sitting in on labor negotiations, to doing compensation surveys, to planning our employee service award program--there is never a dull moment!
What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
I went back to school at 45 years of age and obtained my MBA, with a focus on Human Resources Management.
What are some of your personal interests?
I enjoy spending time with my husband, Brian, and our rescue Pug, Gus. Additionally, I enjoy working out and have recently started running. I ran my first-ever 5K this past April, and am signed up for a 10K-run on Thanksgiving Day. When I have the opportunity, I love to relax by meditating or reading a good book.
What is an interesting fact about you? Maybe a hidden talent?
I participated in two Avon Walk for Breast Cancer events, as well as the Mt. Tam Peak Hike that supports the Breast Cancer Fund. After months of training for my first Avon Walk, I twisted my ankle days before the event...but was stubborn and managed to make it through the final stretch, hobbling over the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge and completing the 39.3 miles...and then signed up for the next year's event! |
| FREE Program for Novato Residents | |
Novato residents: check out this FREE Tow Amnesty program sponsored by the Marin County Sheriff's Dept, in partnership with the Novato Police Department.
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CITY OF NOVATO
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75 Rowland Way, #200 Novato, CA 94945
city@novato.org
www.novato.org
415/899-8900
415/899-8213 fax
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...that the staff at the City's One-Stop Shop for building permits consistently receives high rankings by customers, for their excellent customer service.
Recently, out of 27 surveys received, 26 rated staff as "excellent," and one as "very good."
Write-in survey comments included:
"best experience I've ever had in a planning department in 18 years of doing my job."
"Unbelievably great."
"Extremely knowledgeable and willing to explain."
"Clone your people!"
So, come visit our planning counter and discover how easy it is to get a permit!
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For updated information, please see our calendar.
Happy Thanksgiving! |
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Our Town
E-Newsletter Staff
Contact Us:
city@novato.org
Cathy Capriola, Editor-in-Chief
Peggy Flynn, Editor/Production
Maureen McNiff, Production |
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Novato for the Holidays & 2013
SAVE THE DATE |
- Annual Tree Lighting
Sat., Dec. 1
4:30 pm event begins; Santa arrives at 5:45pm
Sherman Avenue
Downtown Novato
Sponsored by Downtown Novato Business Association
www.downtownnovato.org
- Paint the Town Red
Novato's Birthday Bash
Fri., Jan. 18, 2013
6-10 pm
Margaret Todd Senior Center
1560 Hill Road, Novato
www.paintthetownred.org
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Fall 2012 Programs
Register now for activities and programs offered by the City's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. Drop-in to one of our convenient locations: the Novato Gymnastics Center at 950 Seventh St., or the Margaret Todd Senior Center at 1560 Hill Road. You can also register online or via phone at 899.8250. Get a healthy start to your holidays! |
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Rent a City Facility for your Holiday Gathering
Looking for a place to host an event? The City's Parks, Recreation and Community Services may have a facility to meet your needs. For more information, go online or call 899.8200. |
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