City of Novato
May 2015
 
  

A City that Works: Investing in a Healthy Novato

         

City's Summer/Fall Activity Guide recently hit Novato mailboxes delivering 84 pages of camps, classes, special events, and programs for children, teens, and adults.
 

By now, Novato residents have received their long-awaited Activity Guides offering a wide variety of programs and services for all age groups provided by our Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Department. 
 

Returning again this summer, is our Camp-Ton-of-Fun, an all-day, all-summer program offering specialty camps, events & trips, swimming at Hamilton Community Pool for Grades 1st-6th (incoming) from June 15 through August 14.

 

For our "tweens," PRCS offers camps for nearly every interest, including video game design, digital filmmaking, Minecraft, as well as performing arts offerings including High School Musical and Grease Musical Camps. Not to be missed is our Chefs Club, Tween/Teen Communication and Dining Essentials, and Job Interview Skills classes. Our Aquatics and Gymnastics Programs offer camps and classes to meet the needs of all ages and levels.

 

Adults can continue to enjoy belly dancing, Jazzercise, yoga, boot camp, and several exercise classes at the Margaret Todd Senior Center, and an exciting new FREE lecture series at City Hall, "After Work," (see flier in this issue) which features monthly informational lectures and an opportunity to socialize from 5:30 - 7:30pm. 

 

In partnership with service providers including the Novato Independent Elders Program and the Novato Senior Citizen's Club, PRCS is able to offer extensive senior programs, events, and workshops. Every Wednesday at Margaret Todd Senior Center, seasonal produce is available to seniors at below-wholesale prices at the Senior Produce Market, and there are health insurance and legal counseling workshops offered throughout the year.

 

For our Spanish-speaking seniors, we offer a monthly lunch and presentation on topics important to an aging population and we also offer multicultural services including Spanish-to-English translation, citizenship and English as a Second Language classes.

 

The City of Novato values and understands the importance of recreation, parks, and senior services for a healthy, thriving, connected community and we dedicate ourselves and our resources to provide a multitude of opportunities to our residents. Explore the Activity Guide today!

New & Improved City Website    

Launched on March 27, the new City website is easier to navigate and is more user-friendly.

 

Recently, the City unveiled an easier-to-use website designed for the user in mind. The redesign was based on input from visitors to the City website which identified issues including usability of the homepage, organization and presentation of information, and the reliability and usefulness of the search function.
 

Some of the new features include:

  • "Service requests" where visitors can report an issue such as potholes, graffiti, streetlight outages, and traffic signal problems, which goes directly to staff and is tracked through to completion.
  • Responsive design--website adapts to smart devices (tablets and phones)
  • Translation integration--website can be translated into other languages including Spanish
  • Staff directory--locate and contact a City staffer directly
  • Park & facilities directory--includes photo, location, and amenities
  • Friendly-URLs--easy-to-locate pages (e.g. novato.org/police)
  • Improved search function
  • One-click Social networking--allows user to share info/pages on social media
  •  A "I Want to..." quick-launch menu

The website is a work-in-progress and we continue to refine and improve based on user feedback. If you have suggestions, please let us know: publicinfo@novato.org.
News Highlights 

 

Unloading goats in Hamilton
 
Happy California goats grazing behind the Skate Park at Hamilton  

 

Recently, the City in partnership with Living Systems Land Management had more than 560 goats delivered to Hamilton, to graze down the overgrowth of vegetation behind the skate park. Goats and sheep are widely used in Marin and Sonoma Counties as a cost-effective and environmentally-preferred way to manage weeds and other vegetation growth--with a herd typically clearing about an acre a day.

 

Prior to the herd's arrival, staff cleared the area of active encampments, protected the trees, and notified neighbors of what to expect once the goats were onsite. The goats were securely fenced-in and grazed six acres of heavy vegetation over the eight-day trial period. City staff hopes to add this tool to our ongoing sustainable land management practices. 

 

Budget season is upon us: In the past month, the City Council received initial presentations on the City's proposed operating and capital improvement program budgets for the next fiscal year 2015-2016. In summary, while the General Fund operating budget projects a $2.5 million deficit next year, the City is able to maintain the current level of City services to the community with a $2.5 million contribution from Measure F, the voter-approved sales tax funds. The capital budget invest $1 million for maintenance of City infrastructure and new projects including sidewalks and street crossings.

 

On May 5, the City Council discussed the budget proposals and provided direction. At the first public hearing on June 9, staff will return with final recommendations and collect feedback. Adoption of the budget is scheduled for June 23.
  

To get quick previews and recaps of Council meetings, sign-up for our e-notification.
In This Issue
In this issue
Investing in a Healthy Novato
New & Improved City Website
News Highlights
Hill Masterplan Begins
After Work Lecture & Social Series
Explore new interests, make new friends:
After Work series May-November
Register: 415.899.8290
More info 
Quick Links:
922 Machin Way
Novato, CA
94945
415.899.8900
www.novato.org
Inquiries: publicinfo@novato.org
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Calendar Highlights

For a complete listing and updated information, please check out the City Calendar.

  

5/5
Downtown Novato Community Farmers Market begins! Every Tuesday 4-8pm, through September: communityfarmersmarkets.com
Novato Farmers Market 2015

5/7

5/8
Friday Night LIVE MUSIC @ City Hall Series:
Bike to Work Day Novato! Energizer Station at Novato City Hall hosted by the City and Bicycle Brüstop

Intro to Novato Watershed Program Community Meeting: marinwatersheds.org/novato.html
 
5/15
Hamilton Community Pool opens: novato.org/hamiltonpool
 
5/20
Hill Recreation Area & Margaret Todd Senior Center Master Plan Community Workshop #1 (same meeting to be held on 5/30--see article below)

5/25
City offices closed


5/30
Hill Recreation Area & Margaret Todd Senior Center Master Plan Community Workshop #1
 
NOTE: City Council meets most Tuesdays. Check the City calendar for dates.
Planning starts for Hill Recreation Area & Margaret Todd Senior Center   
Hill Rec Area

A community planning process is kicking off this month for the Hill Recreation Area and Margaret Todd Senior Center.

 

The plan will help us improve the use and conditions of the fields and facilities, increase parking options, and provide programs and services to meet the needs of our residents.

 

There will be two sessions for first the workshop--both at the Hill Community Room (choose one):

  • Wed., May 20, 7-9 p.m.
  • Sat., May 30, 10 a.m.-noon

If you can't attend, this topic will be posted on Open Novato--an online forum where you can weigh-in from the convenience of your computer. For more information, please e-mail hillmasterplan@novato.org.