City of Novato
May/June 2016
Photo by Craig Solin
Novato Responds: Not in Our Town

(below are excerpts from the City's Public Statement on May 27; full statement is here)

The recent incident involving the shooting of two Novato teens has sent shockwaves thorough our community. We are a peaceful and safe community, and these crimes are not a normal occurrence in our town. The fact that these crimes involved youth in our community is devastating. Our condolences and prayers go to the families and friends of these two young people--one who lost his life to a senseless act of violence and the other who is now recovering. Violence will not be tolerated in our City. Any life lost is one too many.

As a City and on behalf on the City Council, I can assure you, our Novato Police Department will continue to work closely with the Marin County Sheriff's Office to bring all the persons responsible for this crime to justice.

We want to thank our outstanding first responders-the Novato Police, Novato Fire District, and the Marin County Sheriff's Office--who so quickly and ably, joined forces to control and minimize the tragic loss that occurred in our City. The coordinated response was swift and seamless. We are fortunate to have well-trained professionals who are prepared at a moment's notice to step forward, risking their own lives and safety, to protect the lives of others. Additionally, the Novato Unified School District continues to work closely with our PD on the investigation--putting the safety of their students and staff as their utmost priority,
Our community has responded in true Novato fashion. With empathy, with concern, and with our community in mind and in our hearts. This spirit sets the tone for the days and weeks to follow and will help us heal--together. We stand united-as one Novato-to keep our town, our children, safe. We are committed to that and we know you are standing with us. The Novato community will not tolerate wrongful acts of violence in our community. As we learn more about the facts of this crime, we will work with the community to respond as needed.
 
On May 27, the City held a news conference where Mayor Pat Eklund, joined by Mayor Pro Tem Denise Athas and Councilmember Pam Drew (Councilmembers Lucan and Fryday were out of town and unable to attend), read a statement on behalf of the Novato City Council regarding the May 25 shooting of two Novato teens. The Mayor's statement can be read here and a video of the news conference is here. It can also be seen on Novato Community TV, Channels 26 (public), 27 (government), and 30 (education).
Clean & Green Day 2016--Novato Shines!

More than 300 Novatans came out for Novato's 21st Annual "Clean and Green Day" on April 23 to clean up neighborhoods, parks, creek banks and medians. For five hours, volunteers removed litter from 11 parks and pulled weeds on 185 acres around town.

Leafwood residents (pictured above and right) came out in full force to spruce up their neighborhood on Leafwood and Sunset Drives.
 
In it's 21st year, Clean & Green Day brings together residents, businesses, and non-profits to lend a hand in picking up trash and beautifying our City on Earth Day weekend. This community event is put on by the City's Streetscape Committee--a volunteer group who works with the City to keep it clean and green. They also help the City to manage the "Adopt an Island" median beautification program as well as oversee the business recognition program. Learn more about these programs and events and join the Streetscape Committee: novatostreetscape.org.
News Highlights 
 




Hamilton Pool opens for the season; City is named "Playful City USA" for second year in a row

Novato Joins Free "My Healthy Hometown" Prescription Discount Program
 
Novato residents can now save on prescription medications that are not covered by insurance, thanks to a partnership with the National League of Cities and League of California Cities.
 
The "My Healthy Hometown" Prescription Discount Program is free to all residents of Novato. Residents with a Novato Prescription Discount Card can save an average of 24% off the retail price of prescription medicine at the following local pharmacies: CVS, Rite Aid, Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, MCC Pharmacy, Target, Costco and Safeway on Nave.
 
Obtain your free prescription discount card at the City Offices (922 Machin), Margaret Todd Senior Center, Novato Gymnastics Center, Novato Library, South Novato Library, Marin Community Clinic, Novato Youth Center and the Novato Human Needs Center. Cards can also be downloaded online by visiting www.nlc.org/resident-discount or by calling (888) 620-1749.
 
Note: The prescription discount card can only be used on prescriptions that are not covered by insurance. Discounts cannot supplement insurance benefits. There are no annual limits placed on use, no need to complete any forms, no waiting periods, no age or income requirements and no medical condition restrictions. Prescription discounts can be used for the whole family, and can also be used towards the cost of pet prescriptions.  
 
Novato is currently the only city in Marin County that is participating in the My Healthy Hometown Prescription Discount Program. For more information online, click here or call 888.620.1749.

Novato's Search for a New City Manager
 
The City of Novato is currently recruiting for a new City Manager. Integral to, and as part of, this process, the City is seeking input from the community on what they think the skills and attributes are needed for the next City Manager.The input received will assist the City Council in the development of the recruitment materials, and throughout the process of screening applications and interviewing candidates. To weigh-in and get information on the recruitment process and timeline, go to novato.org/cmsearch.
Three-year Strategic Plan
 
On May 24, the City Council reviewed their Strategic Plan for 2015-2018. The Plan reflects Council priorities that focus on five City goals--each indicating how the City envisions serving the community:

A City that Works--know, understand, and respond to the community we serve; engage our residents; provide valued services promptly, professionally, and with a passion.

 

Living Well, Together--support facilities and design programs and services that create a healthy, caring, and interconnected community that is safe and secure.

 

Economic Vitality--encourage a thriving business environment; become a hub of economic activity and innovation, with a focus on high-paying industries, a vibrant Downtown, and a healthy economy.  


Great Places--create inviting natural and built places and spaces for contemplation, play, arts, and connection while celebrating our history.

 

Environmental Legacy--preserve and protect Novato's unique environment for future generations and model best practices for the community.

 
In addition to recommending changes, Council identified areas for further discussion (e.g. economic development, environmental initiatives). Another meeting will be held to discuss and finalize the Plan. For more info, see the draft of the proposed Plan.
 
To get agendas and recaps of Novato City Council meetings, please sign-up for our e-notification.
City Budget: Focusing on Fundamentals

In preparation for its annual budget, the City holds a series of budget workshops for the City Council and community where the interim City Manager's budget recommendations are outlined and discussed (see below chart for budget process).

The proposed $62.9 million budget (includes both operating and capital budgets) balances many competing community and organizational needs while maintaining the City's strong commitment to budget stability. With this investment, the City can continue to deliver the services important to our community and quality of life for our residents.

The budget focuses on the following areas:
  • Public Safety
  • Reinvest in Maintenance
  • Planning and Building Department Support
  • Youth & Senior Programs
  • Public Engagement & Outreach
  • Economic Development
  • Investment in Technology & our Employees
The proposed budget will be available at novato.org/citybudget on June 3. The City Council will hold a public hearing on the budget on June 14, and finalize the budget on June 28. To view the information provided for each topic area, click on the corresponding link below.

Annual Budget Process
April 12, 2016
Operating Budget Budget Workshop #1
April 26, 2016
Operating Budget Budget Workshop #2
May 3, 2016
Capital Improvement  Budget Workshop #3
May 17, 2016 
Council Initial Budget Direction
June 3, 2016 
  • Proposed budget posted for Council and community 
June 14, 2016 
  • Budget Hearing and Discussion 
June 28, 2016 
  • Budget Decision & Council approval/direction

Resilient Neighborhoods Welcomes Vivian Court!   
resilient neighborhoods
Left to right, back row:  Mark and Diane Combs, Roy and Brenda Pfeifer Front row: John and Gerry Marotto and Barbara Renshaw. Not pictured: Team members Craig and Christine Flechsig
 
Congratulations to the Vivian Court Carbon Crushers! They are the latest Ecoteam to graduate from the Resilient Neighborhoods program in Novato. Together, five households reduced 19,232 pounds of carbon emissions to help slow global warming and earned 27,600 Resilience Points for building community and preparing for emergencies. Roy Pfeifer learned about Resilient Neighborhoods and formed a neighborhood team with his neighbors on Vivian Court.

Team members took various actions to decrease their emissions, like purchasing an all-electric car, signing up for Marin Clean Energy's Deep Green program, reducing miles driven by 20%, and purchasing Energy Star rated appliances. To build neighborhood resiliency, families completed household emergency plans and purchased emergency supplies. They plan to organize a neighborhood emergency response team and start a neighborhood watch program.

Join other Novato residents in becoming a Resilient Neighborhood--a free local program which has helped 635 Marin residents save money, make their families safer, and reduce over 2.7 million pounds of carbon emissions. The program empowers people to reduce their energy and water bills, drive more economically, and prepare for emergencies. Past teams have included neighborhood teams as well as business, church, and book club teams. Sign up for a team or get more information at www.resilientneighborhoods.org, or e-mail them at resilientneighborhoods@gmail.com. 
In This Issue
In this issue
Novato Responds
Clean & Green Day 2016--Novato Shines!
News Highlights
City Budget: Focusing on Fundamentals
Resilient Neighborhoods Welcomes Vivian Court
Marin Transit Service Changes
NPD Graduates Community Academy #9
A Novato Tradition: 4th of July Parade
Current Development Projects
Novato Theater Upcoming Events
A Prepared Novato

In a continued effort to prepare our community for the next disaster, the City, our Police and Public Works Departments, the Novato Fire District, and community volunteers recently participated in an emergency exercise simulating a 6.8 magnitude earthquake.

The exercise provided real-life scenarios allowing staff to practice emergency responses to building collapses, gas leaks, and even a train derailment. The Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) staff also participated in the exercise and provided a rail car for the simulation.

The Emergency Operations Center was activated which allowed participants to utilize a web-based incident reporting system that gives real-time information to emergency personnel and ultimately, the community. Check out the short video clip.
  
This exercise reminds us all to be prepared for the next disaster. The City of Novato provides a two-hour free Get Ready class to prepare you and yours with the necessary skills and information to survive and cope with a disaster for five to seven days. Take it to the next level: A more intensive, 18-hour Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) is also available through Marin County.

Pictured below: Novato and Marin Valley Mobile Country Club residents John Hansen, John Feld, and Joe DeAvila who are all CERT trained along with many of their neighbors. They are Prepared Novato!
Quick Links:
922 Machin Way
Novato, CA 94945
415.899.8900
www.novato.org
Inquiries: publicinfo@novato.org
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UPCOMING EVENTS
For a complete listing and updated information, please check out the City Calendar. Click on the images below for more info.
  
Art & Wine 2016
 
Concerts on the Green 2016
 
Upcoming City Council meetings in June:
  • Mon., June 6 (Closed Session)
  • Tues., June 7
  • Mon., June 13--Meeting at Marin Valley Mobile Country Club
  • Tues., June 14
  • Tues., June 21
  • Tues., June 28
Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue

NOTE: City Council meets most Tuesdays. Check the City calendar for dates.
Marin Transit Service Changes
 
 

Congratulations Community Academy #9!
                      
Recently, the Novato Police Department completed its ninth Community Academy, graduating 11 participants who got an inside look at the NPD and how they operate. Once a week for eight weeks, Academy participants were introduced to a variety of law enforcement topics and experienced first-hand what our NPD officers do day-to-day. For more information on the next academy, contact Sgt. Jim Tross, 415.899.7024.

A Novato Tradition: 4th of July Parade                        

Boasting more than one hundred entries, Novato Parade is one of the largest in the San Francisco Bay Area. Early in the morning on the 4th, crowds line Novato's Grant Avenue where the parade begins in the City's Old Town district.

Not to be missed! Come early for the Buckaroo Breakfast and pre-parade fun!

Parade Theme: Across Novato's Generations
Location:  Grant Ave. Between Reichert and 7th
Time:  10am
Current Development Projects                      
Want to know what projects the City is currently reviewing? The City's Planning Division compiles a monthly update of private development projects under review or in process, each listing location, lead planner for the project, and an update on the project.
The monthly update can be found at novato.org/planning and click on "Current Planning Projects." For more information on each project, contact the lead planner listed in the update or call 415.899.8989.
Novato Theater Upcoming Events               
 

Planning something for your weekend or summer? The Novato Theater offers activities and events for all ages and interests. Visit novatotheater.net/events and support our local theater!