City of Novato
Oct 2015
 
  
Novato Prepares for Winter Rains, El Niño
          



Pacheco Creek @ N. Hamilton Parkway--before & after City flood protection efforts
  City & Conservation Corps annual flood protection work throughout Novato  
 
Throughout the year City storm drain crews inspect all creek channels throughout Novato and identify work needed to keep the flow channels open for winter rains. They monitor and maintain more than 4,000 storm drains and pipes--(some via video camera!)--to document conditions and identify needed repair work.

To begin flood preparation efforts, the City  is required to apply for a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)  to work in the waterways between June 1 and October 31. Once the permit is secured and to ensure the creek work is completed within the permitted timeline, the City contracts with the Conservation Corps North Bay to help clear channels and cut brush around drain pipes.
 
This year, the City has increased its efforts in preparation for a likely El Niño year where heavy rains are expected this winter. Working with the Conservation Corps and Marin County Flood Control, City crews tackled flood-prone areas along Pacheco and Rush Creeks, and City-owned retention ponds. Additionally, crews have been responding to calls from residents to clear ditches of brush and other debris.
 
Be Prepared, Novato!
The City has approximately 30,000 sand bags and sand available to the Novato community at the City's Corp Yard (550 Davidson St.) and at the Hamilton Theater (507 S. Palm Dr.). For more information on how to prepare for heavy rains and potential flooding, go to: http://novato.org/community/flood-information.
News Highlights 
 
Second year in a row: Novato PD wins best overall traffic safety program (left to right: CHP Chief Paul Fontana, NPD Traffic Officers Alan Bates and Andrew Barrington, NPD Chief James Berg, CHP Assistant Commissioner Avery Browne, and NPD Traffic Sergeant Eric Riddell)

Novato PD Gets Top Honors for Traffic Safety Program--2 years in a row: The Novato Police Department was recognized once again for its traffic safety program by the Commissioner's Office of the California Highway Patrol. Every year, hundreds of law enforcement agencies throughout the state compete in the California Law Enforcement Challenge to showcase their innovative and comprehensive traffic safety programs. The NPD won first place in best overall traffic safety and occupant protection, as well the Commissioner's Award, which is given to only one agency annually. The NPD gives a "shout out" to the Novato community to thank you for assisting us in keeping our City safe for all who travel in and through Novato.
 
 
City Council approves funding for study of Downtown SMART station: Earlier this month, the City Council directed staff to research the possibility of establishing a Downtown SMART station on the corner of Grant Avenue and Railroad Street by the former train depot lot. The City will contract with SMART for the planning and engineering studies which should be completed by the end of the year. Click here to read the staff report.

  
Dogbone Meadow Design Workshop & Open House: Dogbone Meadow dog park needs a facelift and we want your ideas!  On Saturday, November 14, drop in anytime between 10 AM and Noon at Dogbone Meadow on Novato Boulevard at O'Hair Park, learn about the improvement project and give us your ideas for ways to make it great for dogs, their owners, and the community. For more information call 415-899-8900 or e-mail us at prcs@novato.org. 

 
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Information about Measure C
 
On July 28, the City Council unanimously voted to place a measure on the ballot for the November 3 election that, if approved, would reduce sales tax rates from a ½ cent to ¼ cent and continue funding essential City services.

Measure C is the only local ballot measure Novato residents will consider this November. Measure C continues locally-controlled funding that was previously approved by a majority of voters and that the City has relied on to maintain essential public safety, street maintenance and pothole repair, youth and senior services, and parks--and it reduces the current sales tax rate. By law, all Measure C funding continue to be required to pay for services provided by the City or for purposes that benefit the City, and cannot be taken by the State.

Measure C continues to requires fiscal accountability, including continued independent citizen oversight and reports to the community to ensure the funds are spent responsibly.
 
If enacted, Measure C will reduce the current sales tax rate while continuing to protect essential services the community has said are important, including:  
  • Maintaining city streets and roads and repairing potholes;
  •  Responding to 9-1-1 emergency calls;
  • Maintaining parks;
  • Maintaining neighborhood police patrols;
  • Attracting, training and retaining qualified police officers; and,
  • Supporting the local economy and increasing jobs.

For more information about Measure C, including Frequently Asked Questions, visit novato.org/measurec. 
In This Issue
In this issue
Novato Prepares for Winter Rains
News Highlights
Information about Measure C
Downtown for Halloween
After Work Lecture & Social Series
Next mixer: Nov. 5
"Go Wild"
Bring a friend!
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.
  
11/1 (& every Sunday this month!)
 
11/3
Election Day (No City Council meeting)
 
11/5

11/10 (& 11/17)
City Council meeting
 
11/11
Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting

11/12
Recreation, Cultural & Community Services Commission meeting
 
11/26 & 11/27
Thanksgiving Holiday--City offices closed
 
11/28


SAVE THE DATE:

Saturday, Dec. 5, Tree Lighting & Holiday Festivities in Downtown Novato
 
NOTE: City Council meets most Tuesdays. Check the City calendar for dates.
 Tuesday, Nov. 3--Election Information









The City of Novato encourages all eligible residents to participate in the upcoming November 3 election.

Key dates & voter info:

  • Permanent Absentee Voters should have received ballots the week of October 5. If you have not received yours, call the Registrar of Voters at (415) 473-6456.
  • The last day to mail in your ballot is November 3. Your ballot must be postmarked on or before November 3, the last day to vote, and received by November 6.
     
  • Poll Voting will occur on Tuesday, November 3. Polling places are open from 7 AM to 8 PM. You can find your polling location at on the County Registrar of Voters website: www.marinvotes.org.
  • Vote-By-Mail ballots can be dropped off at any polling place in the City of Novato on Election Day, Nov 3.
Questions? Contact the Marin County Registrar of Voters at 415.473.6456 or www.marinvotes.org. Follow the Elections Office on Facebook.

DOWNTOWN FOR HALLOWEEN...IF YOU DARE!

More info