Novato City Council Meeting - February 10, 2026: Business Awards, Safety Improvements, and Scott House Museum Relocation
Novato City Council Meeting - February 10, 2026
The Novato City Council met on February 10, 2026, to honor local businesses and a community volunteer, discuss a proposed targeted safety improvement project, receive updates from the city manager and council members, hear public comments, and approve an amendment to the agreement for relocating the Novato History Museum to the Scott House. The meeting began with ceremonial proclamations for the 2025 Micro, Small, and Large Businesses of the Year and the Spirit of Novato Award.
Consent Calendar
- The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included routine approvals and actions.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Alejandro Reyes (representing Safe Streets Novato) spoke in support of Councilmember O'Connor's proposed safety improvement item, noting that over 1,000 accidents involving pedestrians and walkers occurred in Novato over the past 10 years (averaging about one every three days). He emphasized prioritizing improvements near schools and creating safer routes for children, families, and elderly residents using various modes of transportation.
- A citizen (of Mexican descent, with a law enforcement and union background) read a letter expressing concerns about biased behavior by the Novato Police Department, citing a personal incident and a perceived culture of contempt toward citizens. He urged the council to intervene before costly litigation or harm occurs. Councilmember Eklund noted that staff is aware and working through the issue as a personnel matter, not for council engagement. The speaker also expressed disappointment that Councilmember Jacobs did not follow up on an earlier email.
- Denise Athos (President of the Novato Chamber of Commerce) expressed enthusiastic support for the Scott House museum relocation project, praising the Historical Guild and the McClaymes for reaching their fundraising goal on time. She stated the museum will be an asset for downtown businesses.
- Susan Wernick (former city council member) voiced support for the Scott House relocation and urged the council to approve the amendment and resolution. She also encouraged the city to prioritize renovations of other neglected downtown properties (Simmons House, Hainan House, Community House).
Discussion Items
- Councilmember O'Connor's Proposed Agenda Item on Safety Improvements: Councilmember O'Connor proposed a targeted capital improvement project focusing on shovel-ready, previously studied safety improvements for pedestrians, bicyclists, and road safety. He suggested limiting the discussion to projects supported by staff and the Complete Streets and Pathways Oversight Committee. Councilmember Eklund requested coordination with the Safe Routes to Schools Committee and asked for a council discussion in March or April before the draft budget to understand which projects would be funded and how much Measure M money would be allocated. O'Connor agreed to bring the item back in March. The council voted unanimously to approve the proposal.
- Reports from City Manager and Council Members: City Manager Cunningham announced that registration for spring/summer recreation programs opened that day, a draft just-cause eviction ordinance will have a public hearing on March 24, and a budget survey is open until February 15. Councilmembers reported attending the State of the City event, a North Bay Watershed Association meeting, a Mahashivratri celebration, a Highway 37 meeting, the grand opening of the "What About Age" art exhibit, and an ABAG housing committee meeting. Councilmember Eklund noted that the next Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) cycle will begin soon, with housing numbers to be determined between 2027-2028, and warned that state laws limit local control over housing approvals.
- Scott House Museum Relocation (General Business): Parks, Recreation & Community Services Director Katie Scotland presented the first amendment to the agreement with the Novato Historical Guild for operating the museum at the Scott House, along with a resolution to amend the FY 2025-26 capital improvement program budget. The presentation detailed 13.5 months of collaborative work, a $3.2 million renovation cost estimate, and the guild's fundraising progress (over $1 million raised, with two CDs maturing in April and July 2026 totaling $1.75 million). Key amendment provisions: the city will not proceed with design until $341,000 is deposited, and construction will not begin until 90% of total funds are received. The guild agreed to a staff-recommended change reducing the design threshold from 60% to $341,000. Staff recommended allocating $222,000 from the long-term maintenance fund (Fund 118) and $91,000 from the BRIC fund. Councilmembers asked about conflict resolution (noted that council could agendize issues) and confirmed the BRIC fund balance would revert to the city if unused. The council unanimously approved the amendment and resolution.
Key Outcomes
- Approval of Agenda: Unanimous vote (5-0).
- Approval of Consent Calendar: Unanimous vote (5-0).
- Approval of Councilmember O'Connor's Safety Improvement Proposal: Unanimous vote (5-0) to bring the item back for discussion in March 2026.
- Approval of Scott House Museum Amendment and CIP Budget Resolution: Unanimous vote (5-0) to approve the first amendment to the operating agreement and adopt the resolution establishing a capital improvement project for the Scott House rehabilitation.
- Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned in memory of Bridget O'Brien, who passed away on February 5, 2026, after a battle with cancer. The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
Alright, I want to welcome everyone to the February 10th, 2026 City Council meeting. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. To the Republic, which it stands one nation, under God and individual liberty and justice for all. Laura, can you please take roll call? Councilmember Eklund? Present. Councilmember Carpal? Councilmember O'Connor. Mayor Pertem Jacobs. Present. And Mayor Farak. Present. There was no closed session this evening, so we will move on to the ceremonial matters. I'd like to invite the council up to the podium to honor some small, large, and micro business of the year, and then our Spirit of Nevada Award. So I'd like to invite the South Nevada living, Patty Yee, up to be honored of the 2025 Micro Business of the Year. Welcome. Come on up. Yeah. So we have a very special resolution. We absolutely am so honored to have you in Novato and honor you with this resolution. So whereas the City of Novato is proud to have businesses who support the community by participating in local programs and events. And whereas this Novato Chamber of Commerce has chosen to award their 2025 micro business of the year to South Nevado Living, a publication that has become a trusted platform for hyper-local marketing and storytelling, and whereas South Nevada Living makes a meaningful impact on Novado's local economy by helping businesses of all sizes connect directly with the residents they serve rather than offering transactional advertising. South Nevada Living provides a strategic community-based marketing tool that allows businesses to build trust and foster long-term relationship within Novato. And now, there it be resolved that the City Council of the City of Novato on behalf of the residents of Novato express its sincerest appreciation to Patty Y for her outstanding dedication and shared vision of building a strong Novato economy and congratulates South Novato Living on being selected as 2025 micro business of the year. Congratulations. Would you like to say a few words? Well, thank you so much. It's really quite an honor to receive this. It's been a wonderful journey getting this publication launched and every month that we um land in the mailboxes, we get more and more amazing feedback of how it's bringing the community together, connecting the community, and especially in Marin, we have an amazing um uh group of residents here, they're highly educated, they're not as easy to reach online, and so they are really appreciating this um physical publication where they can actually meet their neighbors where they're living in such a great community. So again, it's really such an honor to be here. I absolutely love uh running this business and connecting and getting to know this community, and I look forward to doing it for many years to come. So thank you so much. Congratulations. And if you can go by the Novato Crowd side, all right, and I'm excited to welcome the Moonstore Moonstone Skin Care Suzanne Nation for the 2025 Small Business of the Year. Very excited to see her. So the resolution, whereas the Nevado City of Chamber selects their small business of the year based on three key areas: economic contribution, community involvement and leadership, and model business practices. And we're as Moonstone Skincare has been chosen as the 2025 Small Business of the Year. Whereas Suzanne has been intentional about establishing Moonstone as a model workplace in Novato. The company offers health insurance to all team members, including part-time employees, provides a living wage across all roles and investments heavily in professional development through paid product training, professional workshops, and an annual all-day retreat focused on team culture, communications, and trust. And now, therefore, be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Novato, on behalf of the residents of Novato, express its heartfelt appreciation to Moonstone Skin Care for their generous spirit and exemplifying service to the community and congratulates them on being selected as the 2025 Small Business of the Year. Congratulations. Would you like to say a few words? I would like to thank the Novato City Council for creating such a wonderful environment in which businesses like mine can thrive. And when you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher wall. Congratulations. And if you could go to the Novato Proud sign and take a picture, and then our 2025 large business of the year, Mayan Climber Tree Service. Jason Peck, I'd like to invite you up. Whereas the City of Novato is proud to have businesses who support the community by participating in local programs and events. And whereas the Novato Chamber of Commerce has selected Mayan Climber Tree Service as the 2025 Large Business of the Year.
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