Novato City Council Meeting Summary - April 14, 2026
Novato City Council Meeting Summary - April 14, 2026
The Novato City Council met on April 14, 2026, to address a range of items including ceremonial proclamations, a discussion on neighborhood easement issues, a study session on commercial cannabis storefronts, approval of crosswalk safety improvements, and a review of the fiscal year 2026-27 operating budget assumptions. The meeting also included appointments to city commissions and public comment on various topics.
Consent Calendar
- The consent calendar was approved unanimously (4-0, with Councilmember Carkle absent).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Lynn Wellesley, a 33-year resident, spoke in support of distributing "whistle packets" to day laborers to inform them of their rights amid ICE activities, and requested city venues allow packet distribution.
- Patty Hoyt, representing a volunteer group, urged the city to distribute whistle packets at city facilities, citing the need for preparedness against potential ICE raids. She stated the packets include whistles, know-your-rights cards, and materials in English and Spanish.
- Bernie Myers, a former council member, spoke about Marin Valley Mobile Country Club, asking the council to begin a process to transfer the park to a nonprofit entity to preserve affordability, noting that bonds are nearly satisfied.
- David Kenyon, who helped residents purchase the park, stated that a promise was made to transfer the park to a nonprofit when bonds were retired.
Discussion Items
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E1 - Neighborhood Easement Issues (Lauren Avenue, Garden Court, Joan Avenue, Nave Court): Councilmember Eklund introduced an item to address street easement and setback issues in a neighborhood built in 1951 before city incorporation. She noted that the lack of as-built plans has caused permit denials for home improvements. The city manager estimated 75-100 staff hours and $15,000-$20,000 for the neighborhood. Public comment: Ronald Nelson (resident) supported the council's action, noting the broader issues. Derek Nell encouraged focusing on original neighborhoods. Dan Zamberlin (contractor, 42-year resident) described his decade-long permit struggles. Council Discussion: Councilmember Eklund and O'Connor supported a citywide approach but prioritized this neighborhood. Mayor Pro Tem Jacobs favored a citywide approach. Councilmember Farrakh expressed concern about staff time if the council later decides not to proceed. Motion: Councilmember Eklund moved to direct staff to explore options citywide, prioritizing the neighborhood, and bring back a report. Seconded. Vote: 4-0 (Carkle absent). The item will be placed on a future agenda, targeting the first meeting in June but possibly the second if the agenda is full.
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J1 - Commercial Cannabis Storefronts Study Session: The community development director presented a progress report, including a community survey with 800 responses showing majority support for storefronts, and a market study projecting $250,000-$500,000 in annual fee revenue plus $172,000 in taxes. Public comment: Elizabeth O'Donnell (retired educator) criticized revenue projections and noted conflicts of interest. Kelsey Hernandez (Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships) urged caution citing youth access and health risks. Oliver Rivas (Novato High School student) opposed, citing high youth cannabis use in Marin. Others spoke in favor, including a representative from Mercy Wellness, citing safety and regulation. Council Discussion: Councilmember O'Connor supported continuing, but was opposed to Grant Avenue locations and on-site consumption. Councilmember Eklund and Mayor Farrakh expressed concerns about youth access and normalization, and were not convinced to move forward. Mayor Pro Tem Jacobs supported the initiative. With a 2-2 split (Carkle absent), no direction was given. A motion to continue the item to the next regular council meeting passed 4-0.
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J2 - Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) and Crosswalk Improvements: Public Works Director Chris Benini presented four locations for enhanced crosswalks and RRFBs: Nevada Boulevard at Thorsen Court, Nevada Boulevard at States Drive, Ignacio Boulevard at Fairway Drive, and near Novato High School. The total budget is $250,000 from Measure M. Public comment: Derek Nell (Safe Routes to School representative) expressed support. Council Discussion: Councilmember Eklund asked about beacons at Ignacio/Fairway; staff confirmed beacons are included. Councilmember O'Connor asked about other locations (Alameda del Prado and State Access Road/Lanham). Staff noted they are on the list but not in this project. Councilmember Farrakh asked about Center Road; staff noted a Safe Routes to School study will occur. Motion: Councilmember O'Connor moved to approve the project scope and locations as presented. Seconded. Vote: 4-0 (Carkle absent). Passed.
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Operating Budget Study Session (Fiscal Year 2026-27): Finance staff presented the general fund forecast, showing that Measure M stabilizes the budget and eliminates structural deficits. Proposed Measure M allocations include $1.35 million for streets, $1.25 million for capital projects, $150,000 for a facilities assessment, $150,000 for technology, $220,000 for pension reserve, and $200,000 for economic development (including $100,000 for tenant improvement grants). Public comment: Derek Nell thanked staff for the improved budget process. Council Discussion: Councilmember Eklund stressed the need for facilities maintenance, particularly historic buildings. Councilmember O'Connor supported expanding the tenant improvement grant program citywide and continuing the SAFE mobile crisis team. Mayor Pro Tem Jacobs supported the SAFE team. Councilmember Farrakh asked about grant platforms and AI use. Staff noted that the Capital Improvement Program will be presented at the next meeting. Council gave direction to maintain SAFE funding, consider expanding the tenant improvement grant program, and include a facilities assessment.
Key Outcomes
- Consent calendar approved 4-0.
- E1: Council directed staff to explore easement vacation options citywide, prioritizing the Lauren Avenue neighborhood, and return with a report in June. Vote: 4-0.
- J1: No direction given due to 2-2 split; item continued to next regular council meeting. Vote: 4-0.
- J2: Approved four crosswalk/beacon locations with $250,000 from Measure M. Vote: 4-0.
- Budget Study Session: Council provided direction to staff, including continued funding for the SAFE program, expansion of the tenant improvement grant program citywide, and a facilities assessment. Formal budget adoption will occur in May.
- CCB Appointments: Approved appointments with one change (Wesley Fink appointed to Multicultural Advisory Commission). Vote: 4-0.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome everyone to the Novato City Council meeting for April 14th, 2026. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance. Under God, indivisible, liberty, justice for all. Laura, can you take roll call? Councilmember Eklund? Councilmember Carkle is absent. Councilmember O'Connor? Present. Mayor Pro Tem Jacobs. Present. And Mayor Farrakh. Present. Now we'll move on to ceremonial matters. Please join me up front. I'd like to call up Katie Hughes and her daughter Emory and Blair Shapu to accept the first proclamation. Right up here. All the way up. Come on up. And this one actually, my mayor pro tems gonna read. Ready? This month of April 2026 is Autism Acceptance Month, whereas Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability impacting a diverse and vibrant population of individuals who contribute meaningfully to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our community. And whereas fostering a community culture of acceptance encourages all residents to recognize the celib and celebrate differences, promote dignity and respect, and ensure that all individuals feel valued and included in the Novato community. And whereas Autism Acceptance Month, previously known as Autism Awareness Month, emphasizes not only increasing understanding, but also fostering inclusion, respect, and meaningful opportunities for individuals with autism to fully participate in all aspects of community life. And whereas the City of Novado is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming community that values neurodiversity and supports individuals with autism through thoughtful planning, universal design, inclusive public service delivery, and accessible programs and events, and whereas the city is proud to be celebrating the fifth annual spectrum safety event in April 2026, which fosters meaningful supportive interactions between individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Novato's first responders, while expanding access to local resources, strengthening community trust, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for neurodiverse individuals and their families. And whereas in partnership with local organizations, educators, service providers, and advocates, the City of Novato plays a critical role in advancing acceptance, promoting belonging, and creating opportunities for individuals with autism to live, work, play, and thrive. Now, therefore it be resolved that the City Council of the City of Novato on behalf of the residents of Novato does hereby proclamate proclaim April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month in the City of Novato. I just want to thank the city, Novato PD, Novato Fire, and Park and Rec for supporting Spectrum Safety. And for celebrating. We're celebrating autism acceptance. Thank you so much. Thank you. And then if you say that about people. Thank you. Now I'd like uh Alina Lina, Education Coordinator for Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California to please come up. Hi, how are you? So we're recognizing Fair Housing Month. Whereas the principle of fair housing is not only a state and national law or policy, but rather a fundamental human concept and entitlement for all citizens. And whereas discrimination based on race, national origin, gender, disability, family status, religion, marital status, and sexual orientation is illegal in California. And whereas a community, we understand that economic progress and competitiveness is best served by promoting diverse inclusions communities with equal access to good jobs, schools, health care, transportation, and housing. And now there for be it resolved that the city council of the city of Novato does hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 as Fair Housing Month in the City of Novato and urges all residents of our community to personally adopt the spirit of equal housing opportunities and adhere to the letter and character of the fair housing laws. Congratulations, would you like to say a few words? Yes, please. Thank you. So on behalf of Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California, I want to thank the city of Navarro for issuing this proclamation recognizing April as Fair Housing Month. The recognition is especially meaningful in the current political climate where the principles of fair housing and civil rights are being challenged. Fair Housing Month marks both our progress and our responsibility. The Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968 after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination as part of a national commitment to combat housing discrimination and expand opportunity. Today we are facing renewed attacks on civil rights at the federal level, including changes that directly affect housing protections and enforcement.
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