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Frankly Speaking with Michael Frank, City Manager
Whether you are a lifelong resident of Novato, or a recent transplant, there is always something new to discover about our community: our rich history, our diverse neighborhoods, our community's 'movers-and-shakers,' and even our city government and the ever-changing topics we address daily.
Beginning in February, City Council has been studying various elements that make-up the City's fiscal picture: revenue generation efforts such as economic development, and the costs of doing business such as employee compensation, current facility conditions, and maintenance of infrastructure and community assets--all integral to addressing the long-term fiscal sustainability of our City. Additionally, we sponsored a customer satisfaction survey that went to approximately 3,000 households, to get a better idea what services, and at what levels, are important to the community. This summer, we will incorporate the feedback we've received from the Council and the community and draft a long-term fiscal sustainability plan that will address the persistent structural deficits our City has been faced with for years.
There is no better time than the present, to 'Get to Know Novato.' Find out more about the City services provided to you--what they are, what they cost, and how they are funded. Tune in for our budget discussions in April--both online and on Novato's Public Access Television Channel 27--and join us for community meetings this spring to discuss our fiscal options. And, as always, my staff and I are available to address your questions and concerns. E-mail us or visit me during my office hours at City Hall, for appointment or drop-in.
See you around Novato!
Note: City Council meetings are televised and are available on our website, and for the latest news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter and sign-up for our e-notification service. |
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News Highlights
 This month, our staff released the Draft Housing Element, which will be considered at a joint Planning Commission/City Council meeting on April 1 and steel for our City Offices project went up--completing the eastern end of the building, from the basement to the roof.
Officer Nick Frey helping stranded motorist
Photo courtesy of Kiley Lucan
Other City news:
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Commit to Safe Driving in Novato--'Take the Pledge'
On April 23, the City Council will commit to safe driving and is encouraging all Novato residents to take the safe-driving pledge--a seven-point list committing the individual to keep their neighborhood and city safe through good driving habits. This awareness campaign, sponsored by TAM via its Street Smarts Marin program, has been proven successful nationwide. Once you have taken the pledge online, you will be sent a decal to display on your vehicle. LET'S MAKE NOVATO THE SAFEST DRIVING CITY IN THE U.S.! To learn more about the benefits of the Safe Driving Pledge, READ MORE
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Novato Clean & Green Day--April 20, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
In honor of Earth Day, the Novato community will once again celebrate by cleaning up litter, weeds and graffiti throughout the City. The 18th annual CLEAN AND GREEN DAY, scheduled for Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., is organized by the Novato Streetscape Maintenance Coalition, a City-sponsored committee of volunteers who bring the City together with community groups, businesses, and residents to clean and beautify neighborhoods citywide. <click on image on left to go to Coalition's website.> READ MORE |
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Parks, Recreation and Community Services--Committed to Quality and Safety
Did you know our City's Youth Program Coordinator, Brent Mosbacher, is a Certified Youth Sports Administrator through the National Alliance for Youth Sports? This certification program trains staff on critical topics facing professional youth sports staff and ultimately improves our participants' experiences with our programs. READ MORE
Also, find out how PRCS plans its programs and layout of its facilities with child safety always in mind. READ MORE |
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Commercial Property Owners: Save Energy, Increase Bottom Line
Earlier this year the City Council signed on with California First's commercial PACE loan program. The PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) loan program is designed to fund energy and water conservation and renewable energy upgrades to commercial properties. The loan obligation is then placed on the tax role as an assessment on the property and paid off through the property tax. If the property is sold, the PACE obligation transfers to the new buyer. The California First program is available for a minimum financing of $50,000 per site. Applicants must line up their own lender, then apply through California First.
The California First website contains application information, but has not been updated yet to reflect the addition of Marin jurisdictions. In the interim, please contact:
H. Simón Bryce
Renewable Funding
CaliforniaFIRST Program Administrator
510.451.7906
simon@renewfund.com
READ MORE |
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Contact Us: |  | |
75 Rowland Way, #200 Novato, CA 94945
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4/1
Joint Planning Comm/City Council meeting
4/2
City Council meeting
'Get Ready' Disaster Preparedness Course
4/3
Design Review
Commission meeting
4/8
Women's Basketball Summer League Registration begins
Streetscape Maintenance
Coalition Advisory Committee meeting
4/9
City Manager's Office
Hours at City Hall
4/11
Zoning Administrator
meeting
4/12
City offices closed
4/15
Planning Commission meeting
4/16
City Council meeting
4/17
Design Review Commission meeting
4/20
'Trash to Treasures' Spring Flea Market
Novato Clean & Green Day
4/23
City Council meeting
Evening of the Big Band
4/25
Women's Basketball Summer League Registration deadline
Zoning Administrator
meeting
4/26
City Offices closed
4/27
Novato Celebrates!
4/29
Adult Softball Summer League Registration begins
For times, location, and updated info, please check out the City Calendar.
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