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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Novato City Council Meeting Summary – April 22, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, April 22, 2025

BodyNovato, California

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, April 22, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 3:01:23

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

0:02

Good evening.

0:04

Welcome to the City of Nevada City Council meeting for Tuesday, April 22nd.

0:08

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:17

And to the wishes.

0:20

One nation.

0:30

Thank you.

0:30

Laura, if you take roll, please.

0:32

Councilmember Eklund.

0:34

Present.

0:35

Councilmember Jacobs.

0:36

Present.

0:36

Councilmember Milburg.

0:38

Present.

0:38

Mayor Pur Tem Farak.

0:39

Present and Mayor O'Connor.

0:41

Present.

0:42

Thank you.

0:42

The City Council did meet in closed session.

0:44

Well, I'll go to City Attorney Bell who's joining us by Zoom if to see if he's anything reportable.

0:56

Okay.

1:14

Gary, can you hear us?

1:19

We will try and figure that out.

1:21

Okay, we'll come back to that.

1:23

Starting off this evening with some ceremonial matters and presentations.

1:26

I did want to share that the first proclamation we had for this evening was for Ed Schultz.

1:30

Unfortunately, his family wasn't able to join us this evening, so it's going to be held at a future future date.

1:35

So I'd like to invite the rest of the council to join me up front.

1:46

Thank you.

1:47

Thank you.

1:59

Thanks.

2:04

All right, so our first proclamation recommend recognizes Community Action Marin.

2:09

I'd like to invite Aaron Hawkins, Vice President of Hoof Family and Community Services, and Community Action Marin Board Member Jennifer McGinnis up to accept the proclamation.

2:18

Welcome.

2:27

We're here to celebrate Community Action Marin.

2:30

Whereas Community Action Marin has been a dedicated partner in enhancing the well-being and quality of life for the people of Marin County since 1966.

2:37

And whereas Community Action Marin is leading an anti-poverty movement to provide essential services to individuals and families, increase self-determination and agency for people of low income, change narratives to strengthen the vibrancy of Marin's diverse population and foster a thriving community for each one of us by helping change policies to sustain equitable outcomes for all.

2:58

And whereas on May 16th, 2025, Community Action Marin will host a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration, you should all go, to recognize the opening of its new campus in Novato and mark an important milestone in the organization's ongoing efforts to alleviate the causes and consequences of poverty.

3:14

And whereas this event symbolizes not only the continued growth of community action Marin, but also the commitment of the entire community to support those in need and foster positive change.

3:23

Whereas the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration will bring together local officials, community leaders, volunteers, parents, supporters, and partners to welcome in this new chapter for Community Action Marin and memorialize its continued dedication to the hard work of fostering economic and social justice, and whereas Community Action Marin has made significant contributions in creating pathways for people to thrive, and we applaud the organization's tireless efforts to address the challenges faced by vulnerable and marginalized populations.

3:49

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Novato, on behalf of city staff and our residents, offer its heartful thanks to Community Action Marin for the continued dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of people in the Nevada community.

4:02

We're really excited you're here.

4:03

Thank you for everything you do.

4:12

Thank you so much.

4:13

And I will echo this and echo those sentiments and invitation to join us at our event in oh, just a matter of three weeks, our ribbon cutting ceremony for our community.

4:23

Um we would love to show you all our beautiful new space to serve our not only our Nevado community, but across Marin County, and we are very grateful for this proclamation and for your partnership and in addressing the causes and consequences of poverty in our community.

4:39

So thank you so much.

4:47

Thank you very much.

4:50

All right.

4:50

Our next proclamation recognizes the downtown beautification project volunteers, so I'd like to invite up the beautification project volunteers and city staff to accept the proclamation.

5:11

Oh no, you guys have to be front and center.

5:14

Come on over.

5:18

Come on.

5:20

I don't want to meet.

5:38

All right.

5:43

Jim, I'll just say your name once you walk up, so is there anybody else we need to call out?

5:51

Okay.

5:56

Okay.

5:59

All right, we're recognizing the downtown beautification project volunteers.

6:03

So we're as volunteers from all four Nevada Rotary Groups, Rotary Club of Novato, Rotary Club of Nevada Sunrise, Rotary Club of Novato Evening, and Rotary Club of Ignacio, Novato Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Novato Tree Team collaborated with the city's public works maintenance crews and sustainability division on a downtown beautification project installing new landscaping on all four corners of Grant and Rikert Avenue.

6:26

So it's fantastic.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Engagement██████████████████████22%

Transportation Safety███████████████15%

Economic Development████████████12%

Procedural██████████10%

Personnel Matters██████████10%

Public Works█████████9%

Community Engagement█████5%

Affordable Housing█████5%

Public Transportation██2%

Summary of Proceedings

Novato City Council Meeting Summary – April 22, 2025

The Novato City Council met on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. for a regular meeting. Key actions included approving community development block grant recommendations, awarding a pavement rehabilitation contract while deferring a controversial striping redesign for further study, authorizing the creation of an economic development manager position, and filling multiple commission and board vacancies.

Ceremonial Matters & Presentations

Proclamation: Ed Schulze – Held at a future date as his family was unable to attend.
Proclamation: Community Action Marin – Recognized the organization's work; a ribbon-cutting for its new Novato campus is set for May 16, 2025.
Proclamation: Downtown Beautification Project Volunteers – Honored volunteers from four Rotary clubs, VFW, and Novato Tree Team who led fundraising ($3,000 raised) and planting at Grant and Reichert avenues.
Proclamation: Fair Housing Month – Declared April 2025 as Fair Housing Month.

Public Comments & Testimony

City employee wage concerns – Several employees (Sarah Bailey, Clark Moretti, Laura Vasquez, Nick Moliaris, Brett Walker, Tiffany Porter, Rod Crowe, others) spoke during public comment, citing pay 11–17% below comparable agencies, high turnover, and unmet promises after Measure M's passage. They urged the council to direct negotiators to bring all classifications to the county average. Specific figures: one employee noted raising Unit D members to 100% equity would cost under $100,000. Multiple speakers stated they had campaigned for Measure M in good faith.
J2 – Grant Avenue striping – Brenda Holland (Gilead House board), Barbara Slack (business owner), Sarah Turley, Sean Tweedy, Amy Harsavonikett, Jefferson Reyes Diaz, and others spoke. Concerns focused on safety for cyclists versus loss of parking (up to 27 spaces under Option B) and lack of timely notification to businesses. Several cyclists supported dedicated bike lanes for safety. The Downtown Novato Business Association (Stephanie Kohler) and Chamber of Commerce (Dale Klein) noted insufficient outreach and requested more time.
J3 – Economic development – Barbara Slack, Stephanie Kohler, and Dale Klein supported reinstating the storefront improvement grant and creating an in-house economic development position for relationship-building with landlords and businesses.

Consent Calendar

Approved 5‑0 (motion by Eklund, second by Jacobs) with a minor amendment to G5: changing “should” to “shall” in the standards of discourse section.

Discussion Items

J1 – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding for FY 2025‑26

Staff and Marin County representative Lily Thomas presented estimated allocation of ~$289,000 for Novato. Recommended projects include Habitat for Humanity home rehab ($13,000), Redwood Boulevard Home Ownership ($107,000), Homeward Bound shelter repairs ($65,000), North Bay Children’s Center outdoor classroom ($25,000), and public services for North Marin Community Services, North Bay Children’s Center, and Legal Aid of Marin (total $43,000). Councilmember Milberg clarified a carryover item. Councilmember Jacobs expressed concern about federal funding uncertainty. Approved 5‑0.

J2 – Grant Avenue Striping Plan & 2025 Pavement Rehabilitation Contract

Staff presented three striping options for Grant Avenue between 7th and 8th streets: Option A (bike lane northbound only, keep all parking, keep center turn lane; 17% public preference), Option B (bike lanes both directions, remove 27 parking spaces on south side, keep center turn lane; 42% preference), Option C (bike lanes both directions, remove center turn lane, keep parking on both sides, lose 10 spaces; 27% preference). Public works noted police and fire preferred retaining the center turn lane for emergency access. Survey received 44 responses; many late entries from the bike community.
After extensive public comment and council discussion, council voted 5‑0 to approve the base construction contract ($1,674,346 to Rapid Grading Services). Then, on the striping plan, Councilmember Eklund moved to send the design back to staff for further study including additional options. Mayor O’Connor proposed a substitute motion to direct staff to study Options C and D (Option D: swap bike lane and parking lane so parked cars buffer cyclists), while removing the center turn lane and minimizing parking loss, with adequate public outreach. This motion passed 4‑1 (Mayor Pro Tem Farac dissented, preferring to keep a turn-lane option in the study).

J3 – Economic Development & Grant Initiatives

City Manager Cunningham recommended adding an Economic Development Manager position to focus on business retention, landlord engagement, and grant coordination. Councilmember Eklund requested clear performance metrics and a possible term-limited approach. Councilmember Farac supported the position but opposed a dedicated grant writer, arguing each department should own its grant expertise. Public comment from Dale Klein (Chamber) and Stephanie Kohler (DNBA) strongly supported an in-house person for relationship building and data access. Council voted 5‑0 to approve the position with direction to establish measurable objectives.

K1 – Commission, Committee & Board Appointments

Clerk McDowall presented recommended appointees. Seats were filled as follows:
- Design Review Commission: Leah Heath, Lewis Randall (2-year terms); remaining seats to be re-recruited.
- Housing & Homeless Committee: Melissa Davis.
- Marin County Commission on Aging: Peranov Balshali (incumbent).
- Multicultural Advisory Commission: All 4 applicants appointed; 2 seats remain open.
- Planning Commission: Tim and Heather (both appointed); 1 seat remains open.
- Police Advisory & Review Board: Travis Carroll, William Paul Meany, Tim Von Rom.
- Recreation, Cultural & Community Services Advisory Commission: Emily Larson, Zachary Schmeckel, Nancy Weber, Michelle Whiteside.
Approved 5‑0.

Key Outcomes

CDBG recommendations approved (5‑0).
Pavement rehabilitation contract awarded (5‑0) but striping design on Grant Avenue deferred for further study. Staff directed to examine Options C and D (no center turn lane, minimize parking loss) with broader public outreach (vote 4‑1).
Economic Development Manager position authorized (5‑0) with emphasis on measurable performance goals.
All commission/board appointments ratified (5‑0).

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned in memory of 9th‑grader Olive Corin, 10th‑graders Sienna Katz, Ada Keply, and Jocelyn Osborne (victims of a Fairfax crash), former city custodian Jerry Curl, and longtime volunteer Ed Schulze. Councilmembers expressed condolences and directed staff to send letters to the families.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Welcome to the City of Nevada City Council meeting for Tuesday, April 22nd. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. And to the wishes. One nation. Thank you. Laura, if you take roll, please. Councilmember Eklund. Present. Councilmember Jacobs. Present. Councilmember Milburg. Present. Mayor Pur Tem Farak. Present and Mayor O'Connor. Present. Thank you. The City Council did meet in closed session. Well, I'll go to City Attorney Bell who's joining us by Zoom if to see if he's anything reportable. Okay. Gary, can you hear us? We will try and figure that out. Okay, we'll come back to that. Starting off this evening with some ceremonial matters and presentations. I did want to share that the first proclamation we had for this evening was for Ed Schultz. Unfortunately, his family wasn't able to join us this evening, so it's going to be held at a future future date. So I'd like to invite the rest of the council to join me up front. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks. All right, so our first proclamation recommend recognizes Community Action Marin. I'd like to invite Aaron Hawkins, Vice President of Hoof Family and Community Services, and Community Action Marin Board Member Jennifer McGinnis up to accept the proclamation. Welcome. We're here to celebrate Community Action Marin. Whereas Community Action Marin has been a dedicated partner in enhancing the well-being and quality of life for the people of Marin County since 1966. And whereas Community Action Marin is leading an anti-poverty movement to provide essential services to individuals and families, increase self-determination and agency for people of low income, change narratives to strengthen the vibrancy of Marin's diverse population and foster a thriving community for each one of us by helping change policies to sustain equitable outcomes for all. And whereas on May 16th, 2025, Community Action Marin will host a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration, you should all go, to recognize the opening of its new campus in Novato and mark an important milestone in the organization's ongoing efforts to alleviate the causes and consequences of poverty. And whereas this event symbolizes not only the continued growth of community action Marin, but also the commitment of the entire community to support those in need and foster positive change. Whereas the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration will bring together local officials, community leaders, volunteers, parents, supporters, and partners to welcome in this new chapter for Community Action Marin and memorialize its continued dedication to the hard work of fostering economic and social justice, and whereas Community Action Marin has made significant contributions in creating pathways for people to thrive, and we applaud the organization's tireless efforts to address the challenges faced by vulnerable and marginalized populations. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Novato, on behalf of city staff and our residents, offer its heartful thanks to Community Action Marin for the continued dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of people in the Nevada community. We're really excited you're here. Thank you for everything you do. Thank you so much. And I will echo this and echo those sentiments and invitation to join us at our event in oh, just a matter of three weeks, our ribbon cutting ceremony for our community. Um we would love to show you all our beautiful new space to serve our not only our Nevado community, but across Marin County, and we are very grateful for this proclamation and for your partnership and in addressing the causes and consequences of poverty in our community. So thank you so much. Thank you very much. All right. Our next proclamation recognizes the downtown beautification project volunteers, so I'd like to invite up the beautification project volunteers and city staff to accept the proclamation. Oh no, you guys have to be front and center.

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