News from your City of Novato

City of Novato

August 2013

Photos: City of Novato and Craig Solin/Marin County Parks

Participating in your city government just got easier. Recently, we launched "Open Novato," an online community forum which will feature citywide topics ranging from budget to policy to land use. First topic is to help us identify and prioritize focus areas for the General Plan update. Sign-up now and be part of the conversation!

News Highlights

Recently, City maintenance crews (pictured above) installed an ADA-accessible ramp at Dogbone Meadow from the entrance to the covered benches. With the small amount of remaining asphalt they paved a small pad by the "paw wash" area so the dogs stay clean. Going the extra mile!

This month, approximately 40 street sections--or 8 miles--throughout Novato were repaved as part of our Measure A program, we released a draft Environmental Impact Report for the proposed 2007-2014 Housing Element, as well as a study by the Marin Economic Forum regarding the economic impact of a Downtown Theater District. The Measure F Oversight Committee submitted their fiscal sustainability recommendation to City Council; the City held a community meeting to revamp the Multicultural Advisory Commission, and those recommendations were approved by Council; Council also approved two housing projects--Oma Village and senior apartments on 801 State Access Road.

In other City news:

The Community Development Department announced two, half-day community workshops to draft a vision for the North Redwood Corridor--a key development site in Novato between Olive Avenue and San Marin Drive. On August 27, the Council approved a contract with the Conservation Corps North Bay for creekside work, substantial fee reductions for secondary housing units, refinements to the City's existing "leash law," and grant funding for Novato Police Department programs such as the Holiday "Shop with a Cop," and to purchase an additional Automatic License Plate Reader.

To get quick previews and recaps of City Council meetings, sign-up for our e-notification system. Also, sign-up for Open Novato, an online forum where you can weigh-in on important citywide topics.

We are Moving!

To prepare for the completion of the City Offices this fall, staff will begin consolidating on the first floor of 75 Rowland and temporarily taking up shop at the City's corporation yard and City Hall at 901 Sherman in mid-September. The City Manager's office and staff will be located at City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue, and Public Works staff will be located at the corporation yard, 550 Davidson. All permits can still be obtained at 75 Rowland, Suite 110, and the City Clerk will also be at that location. Contact information such as phone numbers and e-mails will remain the same. The consolidation will save the City approximately $80,000 in rent. Click here for updates on the City Offices project.

NPD Explorers Compete in Central Valley Event

In July, Novato Police Department Officers Duaine Labno and Laura LeDuc took seven Novato Police Explorers (pictured above) to Modesto for the 3rd annual Central Valley Explorer competition, hosted by Manteca, Modesto, Ripon and Tracy Police Departments. Approximately 24 explorer posts and over 100 explorers from law enforcement agencies throughout California participated in the event.

The competition is designed to be very demanding on the physical and mental capabilities of each Explorer. Events are designed to test the strengths and limitations of a person's intelligence, personality, demeanor and physical abilities, as well as dedication and conviction to the Explorer Program. Explorers are given the opportunity to test their skills in real life situations including felony and DUI stops, vehicle and building searches, and a domestic violence situation, just to name a few. These events were held both in daylight and night time scenarios. Read more...

Postal Carrier Alert Program Available to Novato Seniors and Disabled Adults

Co-sponsored by the Episcopal Senior Communities/Novato Independent Elders Program located at the Margaret Todd Senior Center, and the Novato Police Department, this program is part of a nationwide effort by the U.S. Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers to provide reassurance to participating individuals, primarily older adults or persons who are disabled, that a responsible agency will be alert to check on their well-being. Your Postal Carrier has been trained to notice changes, such as mail or newspapers piled up, porch lights on at odd times, or other signs that may indicate the possibility of an accident or illness. The postal carrier will report their concerns to the local police department who will check on the individual. If interested, sign up for the program by completing and returning the registration forms, which will be delivered to your mailbox in the next few days. For more information on this program, and what resources are available through the Novato Independent Elders Program, call 415.899.8296 or e-mail cmoore@jtm-esc.org.

Speakers Bureau: Is your group, association, or organization interested in knowing more about the City's fiscal future? Let us know!

Only read about the City's "fiscal sustainability" efforts? Want to know what its all about and how it affects you? Request a presentation for your group, or join a scheduled meeting, by e-mailing publicinfo@novato.org.