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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Novato City Council Meeting - December 3, 2024

City Council — Tuesday, December 3, 2024

BodyNovato, California

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, December 3, 2024

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:34:58

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:08

Okay, welcome everyone to the Novato City Council meeting, open session, Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024.

0:16

I'd like to ask everybody, please rise and I'll lead you in the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:28

And to the Republic for which it stands one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all.

0:43

Our city clerk Laura, will you please uh do the roll call?

0:46

Councilmember Eklund present.

0:51

Councilmember Farak.

0:52

Present, Councilmember Wernick, present, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor.

0:55

Present.

0:56

And Mary Milberg.

0:57

Present.

0:58

Thank you so much.

0:59

So uh closed session announcement.

1:02

Uh we did meet in closed session.

1:04

I'll turn to our uh city attorney, Gary Bell for any report up.

1:08

Thank you, Mayor and Council members.

1:10

Um the council did authorize uh the filing um of two suits, uh, and the parties to those suits and the particulars will be disclosable upon request if and when those suits are filed.

1:21

Thank you, sir.

1:23

Okay, with that, we're gonna go to uh we have one proclamation tonight.

1:27

So I'd like the city council to please come up and join me for that.

1:52

So I'd like to ask uh Anna Frias Bravo to please come up.

1:58

Welcome, Anna.

2:00

It's Anna, right?

2:01

Yes, Anna.

2:02

Nice to be joining.

2:04

Thank you.

2:05

This is for you.

2:06

Actually, I'm gonna read it first.

2:08

And then we're gonna ask if you want to say anything.

2:11

And then we're gonna ask you to take a picture under the Nevada process.

2:15

So tonight, the City of Novato's proclamation recognizing Anna Frias Bravo's contribution to the city's Dia de los May, sorry, Dia de los Muertos event.

2:29

Whereas Anna Frias Bravo reached out to Novato Parks and Recreation and Community Services Department and initiated the idea of offering sugar skulls at the city's inaugural Dia de los Muertos event in October 2024.

2:47

And whereas Anna demonstrated exceptional dedication by preparing more than a hundred sugar skulls and icing in advance for guests to decorate and enjoy.

2:58

And whereas Anna recruited and coordinated family members, some of you are look right there tonight.

3:06

Good recognition to help run the activity and to teach others about the cultural significance of sugar skulls.

3:15

And whereas Anna's expertise and dedication in teaching this traditional Mexican art form enriched Novato's cultural landscape and provided an authentic educational experience.

3:27

And whereas Anna's contribution helped create meaningful cultural connections among over a hundred community members, fostering understanding and appreciation of Mexican traditions while providing hands-on learning experiences for Novato families.

3:44

And whereas Anna added to the vibrancy of the event and Novato through her willingness to share her culture with others, and whereas the Parks Recreation and Community Services Department is grateful for the enthusiasm of community members like Anna Frias Bravo in ensuring all Novato residents have access to cultural activities and creating lasting connections through shared traditions such as sugar skull decorating.

4:12

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the city council, the city of Novato, on behalf of the citizens of Novato, hereby expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude for the kindness and community spirit of Anna Frias Bravo.

4:29

Let's please join in welcoming thank you.

4:42

I couldn't, I couldn't be more honored.

4:44

My family has been a part of Novato for the last 40 years, I want to say, and I just I just gotta be prouder.

4:51

I I gotta say I'm standing right here, but it was truly a collective effort.

4:56

My family, Stephanie, Theresa, Drew.

5:00

I mean, it was just such a beautiful way of coming together as a community.

5:02

So I I really appreciate I couldn't be more honored to be in front of you guys today.

5:06

Thank you so much.

5:09

Thank you.

5:10

Thank you.

5:14

Thank you.

5:14

And going on to enjoy picture underneath the Novato Proud sign.

5:19

With your family.

5:20

Thank you so much for all your support.

5:37

You can keep doing it.

5:47

Okay, that was really lovely.

5:49

So now we're gonna go to the approval of the final agenda.

5:53

I'm gonna ask for a motion in a second to approve the final agenda.

5:56

I'll move approval of the final agenda.

5:59

Thank you.

6:00

We have an approval and a set a motion in a second.

6:03

If you could please call the vote.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Historic Preservation███████████████████████23%

Youth Programs███████████████████19%

Public Engagement███████████████15%

Public Safety███████████████15%

Procedural█████████████13%

Technology and Innovation████4%

Environmental Protection██2%

Fundraising██2%

Community Engagement██2%

Summary of Proceedings

Novato City Council Meeting - December 3, 2024

The Novato City Council convened on December 3, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a proclamation, approval of the consent calendar, and two general business items: a proposed agreement with the Novato Historical Guild to relocate the history museum to the Scott House, and a discussion on creating a digital safety course for youth. The council voted unanimously on several items and provided direction on the digital safety initiative.

Ceremonial Matters

Proclamation for Ana Frias-Bravo: Mayor Mark Milberg read a proclamation recognizing Ana Frias-Bravo for her contributions to the city's inaugural Dia de los Muertos event in October 2024. She prepared over 100 sugar skulls and coordinated family members to teach the cultural tradition, enriching the community's cultural landscape.

Consent Calendar

The council approved the consent calendar (items G.1 through G.7) by a 5-0 vote. Items included:
- Waiving reading of ordinances by title only.
- Approving meeting minutes from October 22 and November 19, 2024.
- Allocating $3,000 from the Public Art Fund to support the Leadership Novato Class of 2025 utility box art project.
- Adopting a resolution updating the minimum wage and salary schedule for FY 2024/25.
- Authorizing a $1,540,646.70 agreement with PG&E for undergrounding utilities on Novato Boulevard.
- Approving a $150,000 amendment to the maintenance agreement with Natalini Industries, LLC, increasing the total to $250,000.

Public Comments

Jean McClaymie (Community member) announced two upcoming events: the Novato Tree Lighting Festival on Saturday and the Novato Birthday Party (65th incorporation anniversary) on January 24, 2025. No other public comments were received for non-agenda items.

Discussion Items

J1: Agreement with Novato Historical Guild for Scott House Museum

Presentation: Katie Gauntlett (Parks, Recreation & Community Services Director) introduced the item. The Novato Historical Guild presented findings of a feasibility study on moving the city's history museum from the Postmaster's House to the Scott House (917 Sherman Avenue). Lynn Dawson (Guild President) and Jean McLeamy (Project Manager) detailed the rationale: improved safety (current site has steep stairs, no handicap access, and a dangerous street crossing for school groups), larger space (three times the current 1,000 sq ft), and a central location on the Civic Green. The renovation cost is estimated at $3.3 million, with $1 million already pledged. The guild will fundraise and will not begin construction until all funds are raised (target completion December 2025). The term of the proposed agreement is 50 years with five-year reviews.
Council Discussion: Councilmembers asked about financial controls, insurance, building use, and renewal provisions. It was noted that the existing agreement language mirrors the current museum contract. Councilmember Eklund requested adding a renewal clause to allow the guild to extend the agreement after 50 years. Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor asked about a fundraising deadline; the guild preferred flexibility, and the resolution includes a target date but no hard deadline.
Public Testimony: Four speakers (Elizabeth Sleef, Barry Smell, Susan Mangon, Ann Russell) all expressed strong support, citing safety for third-grade tours, accessibility, and community benefits.
Outcome: Motion to approve the agreement with the guild, including direction to add a renewal provision. The motion passed 5-0.

J2: Digital Safety Course for Youth (Ages 10-16)

Presentation: Alexandra Camber (Recreation Division Manager) presented research on existing programs. Staff recommended against creating a new city-run course, citing lack of expertise and existing resources from Marin County Office of Education (MCOE), Novato Unified School District (NUSD), PolyClass Foundation (served 18,000+ students in Sonoma County at no cost), and other nonprofits. Two recommendations were made: (1) a cross-promotional strategy using city communications (estimated 3 hours/month) and (2) inviting the PolyClass Foundation to lead a workshop at a future Multicultural Advisory Commission (MAC) meeting.
Council Discussion: Councilmembers expressed strong support for partnering with PolyClass and NUSD. Concerns about staff time and duplication were raised. Police Chief Noggle confirmed that the city investigates approximately 25 cases per year involving inappropriate online interactions with youth and that education could help prevent crimes. Councilmember O'Connor proposed a two-year pilot with 2-4 workshops per year, but after discussion, the council agreed to first coordinate with NUSD to see if they can lead the effort. City Manager Cunningham advised that NUSD is actively working on implementing PolyClass training before the end of the school year.
Outcome: Motion to adopt recommendation #1 (cross-promotion) and to direct staff to partner with the PolyClass Foundation and NUSD to deliver digital safety training in Novato. The motion passed 5-0.

Key Outcomes

Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (5-0).
Historical Guild Agreement: Approved with direction to add a renewal clause (5-0). The guild will raise funds for Scott House renovation; construction will begin only after full funding is secured.
Digital Safety Course: Staff directed to implement cross-promotion of existing resources and to collaborate with PolyClass Foundation and NUSD to offer a workshop (5-0).
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM, with the next regular meeting scheduled for December 10, 2024, at 6:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Okay, welcome everyone to the Novato City Council meeting, open session, Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024. I'd like to ask everybody, please rise and I'll lead you in the Pledge of Allegiance. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all. Our city clerk Laura, will you please uh do the roll call? Councilmember Eklund present. Councilmember Farak. Present, Councilmember Wernick, present, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor. Present. And Mary Milberg. Present. Thank you so much. So uh closed session announcement. Uh we did meet in closed session. I'll turn to our uh city attorney, Gary Bell for any report up. Thank you, Mayor and Council members. Um the council did authorize uh the filing um of two suits, uh, and the parties to those suits and the particulars will be disclosable upon request if and when those suits are filed. Thank you, sir. Okay, with that, we're gonna go to uh we have one proclamation tonight. So I'd like the city council to please come up and join me for that. So I'd like to ask uh Anna Frias Bravo to please come up. Welcome, Anna. It's Anna, right? Yes, Anna. Nice to be joining. Thank you. This is for you. Actually, I'm gonna read it first. And then we're gonna ask if you want to say anything. And then we're gonna ask you to take a picture under the Nevada process. So tonight, the City of Novato's proclamation recognizing Anna Frias Bravo's contribution to the city's Dia de los May, sorry, Dia de los Muertos event. Whereas Anna Frias Bravo reached out to Novato Parks and Recreation and Community Services Department and initiated the idea of offering sugar skulls at the city's inaugural Dia de los Muertos event in October 2024. And whereas Anna demonstrated exceptional dedication by preparing more than a hundred sugar skulls and icing in advance for guests to decorate and enjoy. And whereas Anna recruited and coordinated family members, some of you are look right there tonight. Good recognition to help run the activity and to teach others about the cultural significance of sugar skulls. And whereas Anna's expertise and dedication in teaching this traditional Mexican art form enriched Novato's cultural landscape and provided an authentic educational experience. And whereas Anna's contribution helped create meaningful cultural connections among over a hundred community members, fostering understanding and appreciation of Mexican traditions while providing hands-on learning experiences for Novato families. And whereas Anna added to the vibrancy of the event and Novato through her willingness to share her culture with others, and whereas the Parks Recreation and Community Services Department is grateful for the enthusiasm of community members like Anna Frias Bravo in ensuring all Novato residents have access to cultural activities and creating lasting connections through shared traditions such as sugar skull decorating. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the city council, the city of Novato, on behalf of the citizens of Novato, hereby expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude for the kindness and community spirit of Anna Frias Bravo. Let's please join in welcoming thank you. I couldn't, I couldn't be more honored. My family has been a part of Novato for the last 40 years, I want to say, and I just I just gotta be prouder. I I gotta say I'm standing right here, but it was truly a collective effort. My family, Stephanie, Theresa, Drew. I mean, it was just such a beautiful way of coming together as a community. So I I really appreciate I couldn't be more honored to be in front of you guys today. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And going on to enjoy picture underneath the Novato Proud sign.

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