Novato City Council Reorganization and Marin Valley Public Comment - December 17, 2025

Note: The raw transcript states the meeting occurred on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, but the meeting date is specified as December 17, 2025. This summary uses the specified date.

The City of Novato City Council held a regular meeting that began with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and unanimous approval of the final agenda. The main business was the annual reorganization of the council, including the appointment of a new mayor and mayor pro tem. Prior to that, several residents and a former council member spoke during public comment about the Marin Valley Mobile Country Club and the city’s decision not to extend the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA), expressing disappointment, calls for concrete protections, and requests for the city to relinquish the deed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Hansen (Marin Valley resident): Expressed disappointment that the city did not disclose early on its intention not to sell the park, despite a prior expressed desire for a "win-win" outcome. He noted the city has adopted residents' objectives of affordability, security, and sustainability, and he looks forward to collaborative partnership. He urged a "reckoning" with unresolved issues.
• Carol Joey Harrison (20-year Marin Valley resident): Stated that most residents feel "led down the garden path," with feelings of betrayal and extreme anger. She said trust is very low and will require concrete solutions, not just words, to restore it.
• Bill Davis (retired nurse, 20-year resident): Argued that after two years of negotiation, the city never budged on price and had undisclosed concerns. He called for a better way to work together to build trust and maintain affordability, security, and protection of the enterprise.
• Janine Bradley (resident of Marin Valley): Said that prior to moving in she was reassured by a city administrator that the city would protect residents, but the park has felt neglected. She noted that infrastructure repairs are overdue and that residents spent thousands of hours on a self-ownership proposal. She called for a concrete and lasting memorandum of understanding with clear plans for repairs and maintenance.
• Serena Fisher (resident): Stated that by denying an extension of the ENA, the city removed protections and rejected self-ownership. She asked what specific actions the city will take to guarantee long-term security for seniors, especially preventing future councils from selling the park. She expressed willingness to work collaboratively and extended holiday wishes.
• Bernie Myers (former mayor and council member, no connection to park): Argued that in 1997 the city helped residents buy the park from prior owners; residents took on a $17 million loan and have nearly paid it off. He characterized the city’s current $26 million asking price as changing the deal at the finish line. He asked the city to "do the right thing" and relinquish the deed when the loan is paid in 2027.
• Dan Klein (outgoing president of Novato Chamber of Commerce): Thanked the council and staff for collaboration and support of local businesses, praised the hiring of Kitty Shrooping and city manager Amy Cunningham, and noted that things are changing for the better. He welcomed new councilmember Sandeep Carkle.

Discussion Items

• Council Reorganization: The council proceeded to reorganize. Mayor O’Connor called for nominations. Councilmember Eklund moved to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Farak as mayor. The motion was seconded and passed 5-0. Councilmember Eklund then moved to appoint Councilmember Jacobs as mayor pro tem. That motion also passed 5-0.
• Speeches and Recognition: Outgoing Mayor O’Connor thanked colleagues, staff, his family, and highlighted 2025 achievements: catching up on audits, providing over $1 million in Habitat for Humanity grant funding, relaunching a business improvement grant program, adopting a balanced budget policy, opening Grant Avenue Bridge and Hogue Park, and increasing infrastructure investments via Measure M. He noted the tragic loss of Councilmember Mark Milberg and expressed commitment to continue conversations about Marin Valley. New Mayor Farak gave a speech thanking her family, colleagues, staff, and the community. She noted upcoming priorities including park renovations, a new strategic plan, and road improvements. Councilmember Jacobs praised O’Connor’s leadership. Councilmember Eklund congratulated O’Connor. Councilmember Carkle offered brief congratulations.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment of Mayor: Mayor Pro Tem Farak was appointed as Mayor of Novato (vote 5-0).
• Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem: Councilmember Jacobs was appointed as Mayor Pro Tem (vote 5-0).
• Next Meeting: The next regular city council meeting will be January 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
• The meeting was adjourned with a ceremonial gavel tap led by the new mayor.